The Lithium Americas Technical Development Center team poses with officials from the Nevada Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS), upon being accepted into the OSHA Safety and Health Recognition Program (SHARP) program for their achievements in worksite safety and health.
RENO, NEV. (March 27, 2024) – The Safety Consultation and Training Section of the State of Nevada's Division of Industrial Relations recognizes Lithium Americas' Lithium Technical Development Center (“Tech Center”) in Reno, Nevada for the successful entry into the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. The Tech Center is a 30,000-square-foot, integrated process testing facility and state-of-the-art laboratory that is validating the Thacker Pass flowsheet and proving production of battery-quality lithium carbonate from Thacker Pass ore via a continuous-production process. The Tech Center has achieved ISO-9001:2015 certification. Thacker Pass, located in Humboldt County, Nevada, is the largest known Measured and Indicated (M&I) Resource in North America and the most significant opportunity to create a North American lithium battery supply chain for electric vehicles.
“Being recognized as one the few companies to join this program is an incredible honor for the Lithium Americas' Technical Development Center team,” said Jerren Bailey, Process Engineer and Technical Center Safety Officer for Lithium Americas. “Working with SCATS has been very beneficial for the Tech Center's overall health and safety program. Our team has been encouraged and empowered to prioritize safety and continue to work to improve our safety programs.”
By maintaining exemplary worksite health and safety standards, the Tech Center joins an elite group of businesses that have achieved SHARP status. Participation in the no-cost program incentivizes employers to develop, implement and continuously improve programs at their worksite(s). By taking these proactive measures, businesses can reduce risks, accident costs and ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regulations.
"The Lithium Americas Tech Center team has committed to their safety culture, making their employees’ well-being the priority," said Todd Schultz, Chief Administrative Officer for SCATS. "This team is a leader in employee safety in northern Nevada and our SCATS consultants are proud to partner with cutting-edge corporations like Lithium Americas.”
SCATS consultants provide employers with confidential hazard identification, program development, implementation assistance and training. Employers who implement effective safety programs and have a days-away restricted transfer (DART) rate below the national average for their industry may be recognized by SCATS. Successful SHARP participants may receive up to a three-year deferral from OSHA's general schedule inspections.
For more information about SCATS, visit 4safenv.state.nv.us.