By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Safety in the workplace can be an issue of concern for any business; but when the staff is primarily made up of individuals with disabilities, maintaining a safe work environment creates more of a challenge. Several employees of Central Aroostook ARC’s Work Services Program are being honored at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 28 for working over 450 days without a lost-time accident.
“We’re holding a banquet luncheon for 32 employees on Wednesday at County Box and Pallets to mark the staff’s working over 450 days without a lost-time accident,” said Sue Smith, supervisor.
Smith said those being honored work at three facilities, making their achievement that much more impressive.
“Work sites include County Box and Pallets and Aroostook Shredding. We also have some of our folks working for the city in the recycling department,” she said.
Smith said this is one of the longest periods she recalls staff have gone without an accident.
“About seven or eight years ago, we went 500 days. We’re still climbing from 450 but wanted to set the milestone while it was still warm enough to hold a barbecue,” said Smith.
Smith said most of the work is performed by employees with learning disabilities, making the achievement that much more impressive. Workers come from communities throughout Aroostook, including Houlton, Woodland, Caribou, Limestone and Mars Hill.
“The individuals do most of the work, we’re just here to supervise — oversee safety. Employees run a variety of equipment, including pneumatic nail guns, paper shredders and all kinds of machines,” she said.
“We’re really proud of all they’ve done. Employees can’t wait to come to work — look forward to their jobs and pay attention to the work they do. They work hard and take their jobs very seriously,” said Smith.
