ROCKPORT – The town of Rockport was presented with a Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE) from the Maine Department of Labor at the Select Board Meeting Dec. 9, an achievement that distinguishes the town as a model for workplace safety and health.

Executive Assistant Diane Hamilton, who also serves as the town’s safety coordinator, was presented with a plaque of recognition by DOL Director of Workplace Safety and Health Steven Greely.

Prior to the presentation, DOL Program Manager Michael LaPlante said that the award, “recognizes public sector employers who maintain an exemplary safety and health management system.”

The award is typically given to specific departments, and only 12 towns have received the award to date.

LaPlante also shared that the Rockport Fire Department received an award a few years ago and that just fewer than 100 awards were given out during the last 14 years.

Hamilton said that every new town employee receives an initial safety training. Each department participates in annual trainings, which varies for each area, along with specific building inspections, which she keeps track of all year long.

“Everyone has worked hard and cooperated to make the town a better place,” she added.

To participate in SHAPE, the town had a consultation visit and completed a hazard identification survey with the DOL. Additional guidelines included that the town lower its lost workday injury and illness rate, below the state average, and notify the state prior to introducing new hazards into the workplace.

LaPlante said that town will likely be granted insurance discounts with the Maine Municipal Association and will not undergo inspections as long as they remain in the program.

Following the presentation, Town Manager Bill Post recognized Hamilton for her leadership efforts with overseeing the efforts of the department heads to ensure compliance standards for their individual areas and performing inspections so they were also prepared and ready for the DOL inspection.

“She has put a ton of effort into this,” Post said.

Select Board member Doug Cole also thanked Hamilton on behalf of the board by saying, “she was the driving force” behind the award and commended the hard work by all of the town employees and especially the department heads.

Hamilton summarized the meaning of the award in her own words.

“We got everything done,” she said. “It’s the town’s award.”

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com