Las Vegas, Nev. – The Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) of the State of Nevada’s Division of Industrial Relations has recognized Boyd Gaming for its successful completion of the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) at all nine of its southern Nevada casino properties. The culmination of its seven years working with SCATS came in April when The Orleans Hotel and Casino, Boyd Gaming’s largest property in Nevada, completed their final SHARP certification inspection.
“Over the past seven years, Boyd Gaming has made an impressive commitment to workplace safety,” said Don Soderberg, Administrator of the Division of Industrial Relations. “Boyd has worked closely with SCATS in improving safety and health workplace programs within all of its gaming properties. This partnership between SCATS and Boyd Gaming has created a safer work environment that protects their employees and has positive impacts on the Nevada economy. We applaud Boyd for their substantial efforts in workplace safety.”
The Boyd Gaming properties – The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam’s Town, California, Fremont, Main Street Station, Jokers Wild and Eldorado — are the only casinos in Southern Nevada to have received SHARP status. Boyd Gaming’s central laundry facility, located in Henderson, has also achieved SHARP certification. Only 27 Nevada employers currently have that designation.
Since initiating SCATS’ SHARP program in 2007, Boyd Gaming has reduced total workplace injuries by nearly 75 percent annually, saving an estimated $5 million in workers compensation costs over a six-year period.
“Boyd Gaming values our team members, and that begins with ensuring a safe workplace for everyone,” said Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming. “Our workplace safety initiative is the right thing to do, and it is smart business. We have reduced costs, drastically lowered accident rates, and strengthened team member productivity. Boyd Gaming is proud to partner with SCATS in establishing this highly successful model for workplace safety in our state.”
The SHARP program is designed to assist employers in developing and implementing effective safety and health programs. SHARP assists businesses in improving their return on investment, ensuring compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and creating added value by reducing accident costs.
Over the last seven years, Boyd Gaming has invested substantial time and funds toward establishing the stringent safety measures and practices required to achieve SHARP status, which is awarded to employers who adhere to the highest standards in workplace safety. Once achieved, an employer must maintain workplace injury and illness rates below the national average to retain SHARP status.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) is a leading diversified owner and operator of 22 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Jersey. Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com.
Businesses interested in the SHARP program can contact SCATS at 1.877.472.3368, or visit www.4safenv.state.nv.us.