Staff Writer
MAPLETON — The Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill Fire Department recently was recognized for its outstanding safety record, receiving the Maine Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Standards’ Safety and Health Award for Public Employees (SHAPE) for the department’s efforts in maintaining a safe work environment.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MAPLETON FIRE DEPARTMENT TAKES ‘SHAPE’ — In recognition of its efforts to promote safety in the workplace, the Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill Fire Department recently received the SHAPE Award from the Maine Department of Labor. Pictured for the presentation, from left: Chris Woodworth, lieutenant, MCCHFD; Jane Gilbert, Maine Department of Labor; Chief Rich Wark, MCCHFD; and Geoff Skidgel, captain, MCCHFD.
The SHAPE award is presented based on various safety-related criteria. Only a handful of departments throughout the state have earned the honor.
“The Mapleton department is the 25th recipient of this award and the ninth in Aroostook County,” said Jane Gilbert, department commissioner, Maine Department of Labor Standards Workplace Safety & Health Division. Gilbert noted the fact the County has had nine recipients says a lot about how fire departments here take safety measures seriously.
“This says a lot about how important people take their work and safety (here in Aroostook),” said Gilbert. “Mapleton knows how important safety is. I could tell walking in — how clean the department.”
“Congratulations on receiving the SHAPE award,” said Gilbert.
David E. Wacker, director of the Workplace Safety & Health Division, said this is a “challenge that is given to fire departments that shows the rest in the state that they can be safe and healthy.”
“We want people to go home with the same number of fingers and toes, not injured,” said Wacker. “That’s made possible through good leadership and training.”
Wacker said departments are challenged to keep going year after year and to challenge other departments to step up their own safety efforts. He credited communication between Aroostook County fire departments for so many receiving the SHAPE award.
“They get together, share resources, talk. It’s about communication,” said Wacker. “Some like to refer to firefighters in the U.S. as the world’s largest street gang. They pull together and get the job done.”
Wacker said he enjoys visiting departments in the County.
“I love coming up here for these awards,” Wacker said.
Wacker said Mapleton’s initial inspection found four items that needed improvement.
“The department has done an exemplary job. The improvements were made and now they have the award to show their efforts are appreciated,” said Wacker. He said Mapleton now has a “grace period” of two years before they’ll undergo another inspection.
“Receiving this award from the Maine Department of Labor exempts the Mapleton Fire Department from the Bureau of Labor Standards’ inspections for two years and is a renewable commitment,” said Wacker.
During that two-year period, Wacker encouraged the Mapleton Fire Department to continue efforts to spread the word on the importance of safety in the workplace.
“It’s a lot of work, but once everything’s in place, it’s easy. This is truly an honor,” said MCHFD Fire Chief Rich Wark. “Firefighters face dangerous situations every time an alarm sounds. It’s nice to have our efforts recognized at this level — to know what we do in and out of the station makes a difference.”
According to the Maine Department of Labor, the SHAPE award was originally conceived in 2005 as a way to recognize public sector employers who are striving to provide a “safe and healthful” workplace for employees. This award is given only to exemplary employers after a thorough review and inspection of the employer’s safety and health policies and procedures by a SafetyWorks! consultant. A well-rounded safety and health program achieves lower employee injuries and illnesses and provides for better employee morale and retention.
For more information on the SHAPE program, call the MDL at 623-7900 or visit www.safetyworksmaine.com/safe_workplace/shape.html.
