Freeport Street Department Earns Safety Recognition -- Occupational Health & Safety

Two road workers use long-handled tools to spread fresh asphalt beside paving equipment.

Freeport Street Department Earns Safety Recognition

The Illinois department reduced recordable injuries and illnesses to zero after strengthening its safety practices.

By Chelsey Arries
Nov 13, 2026

The city of Freeport’s Street Department in Illinois reduced recordable injuries and illnesses to zero following safety improvements, according to OSHA.

The department became the first public works department in Illinois to earn approval through the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), OSHA said.

City leaders requested a workplace assessment through OSHA’s free, confidential On-Site Consultation Program.

Following the visit, the city established safety policies and training and assigned a safety coordinator. Workers increased their reporting of concerns, and supervisors documented problems and verified corrections.

The recognition program honors small and midsize employers that use consultation services and demonstrate strong workplace safety programs.

About the Author

Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.

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