National Office Furniture, a unit of Kimball International, Inc., has been recertified by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARPS) for excellence in workplace safety. Their Fordsville, KY, facility is one of only thirteen companies that have earned SHARPS status within the state of Kentucky.

“Congratulations to National Office Furniture in Fordsville on achieving another SHARP status,” said Labor Cabinet Secretary Derrick Ramsey. “Earning this status is a coveted title for companies all across the country, and it is a great accomplishment for one of the Commonwealth’s own to be recognized for this prestigious achievement. Our top priority at the Labor Cabinet is to help ensure Kentucky’s workers stay safe on the job, and I am pleased to recognize the employees of National Office Furniture for all of their hard work in helping achieve this goal.”

The SHARP designation was designed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to encourage and recognize excellence in occupational safety and health among smaller employers. Qualified consultants at the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, who are experienced in helping employers develop safety and health management plans, provide assistance and training to employers at no cost.

During preparation for SHARP eligibility, employers have the opportunity to learn how to maintain safe and healthy workplaces through the development and implementation of proven and effective safety and health management systems. Upon achieving SHARP status, employers are exempt from programmed inspections for two years and subsequent renewal of the SHARP status may result in three-year exemptions from programmed inspections.

“At National, we strive for an injury-free working environment for our people,” said Vince Cooke, National’s Director of Safety. “National has always had a deep commitment to the health and safety of our people, and we continue to build on that commitment. From our guiding principles, we know that ‘our people are the company’, and our most valuable asset. During the past 13-year period at our Fordsville location, injuries have been reduced by 85 percent. There are many components of our safety program that must be executed flawlessly to achieve an injury-free environment, but none are more critical than the engagement of every employee.”

“This status is a strong testimony to everyone’s commitment to working safely and keeping others safe,” said National’s Plant Manager John Ramburger. “An achievement such as this requires total team engagement and a resolve that all injuries are preventable. Any day a person goes home injured is a bad day no matter how well everything else goes.”

About National Office Furniture:

National Office Furniture, a brand unit of Kimball International, Inc. (NASDAQ: KBAL), is a Jasper, Indiana-based manufacturer of high-quality office furnishings. Since 1980, National has built a reputation for excellence with stylish furniture of exceptional value; a dedication to personalized service; product designs that reflect a passion for the user’s comfort and productivity; and a commitment to environmental responsibility. National operates facilities in Santa Claus and Jasper, Indiana; and Fordsville and Danville, Kentucky. For more information about National and its products, visit www.NationalOfficeFurniture.com.