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Maine Veterans Home in Machias receives Safety and Health Award for Public Employers

Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias Honored with Prestigious Safety and Health Award for Public Employers

MACHIAS, Maine – In a significant recognition of commitment to workplace excellence, the Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias has been awarded the Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE). This accolade, presented by the Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Standards, highlights the facility's outstanding efforts in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both employees and residents. The award underscores the home's dedication to fostering a culture of safety that goes beyond compliance, setting a benchmark for public sector institutions across the state.

The SHAPE award is not handed out lightly. Established to promote exemplary safety practices in Maine's public workplaces, it evaluates organizations based on rigorous criteria, including low injury rates, comprehensive safety training programs, proactive hazard identification, and employee involvement in safety initiatives. Recipients must demonstrate a sustained track record of preventing workplace accidents and illnesses, often through innovative policies and continuous improvement efforts. For the Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias, this marks a milestone achievement, reflecting years of hard work by staff, administrators, and volunteers who prioritize the well-being of Maine's veterans.

Nestled in the rural community of Machias in Washington County, the Maine Veterans’ Home is part of a network of six facilities operated by the Maine Veterans’ Homes organization. This particular location provides long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitative services to veterans and their eligible spouses. With a capacity to serve dozens of residents, the home offers a range of amenities designed to enhance quality of life, including recreational activities, medical care, and social programs tailored to the unique needs of those who have served in the military. The facility's mission is rooted in honoring veterans by ensuring they receive dignified, compassionate care in a supportive environment.

What sets the Machias home apart in earning the SHAPE award is its multifaceted approach to safety and health. According to officials, the facility has implemented a robust safety management system that includes regular risk assessments, ergonomic evaluations, and emergency preparedness drills. Staff undergo extensive training on topics such as infection control, fall prevention, and mental health support, which are critical in a setting where residents may have complex medical needs stemming from service-related injuries or age-related conditions. The home's leadership has emphasized employee empowerment, encouraging workers to report potential hazards without fear of reprisal and involving them in decision-making processes related to safety protocols.

One key initiative that contributed to the award is the home's focus on preventing musculoskeletal injuries, a common issue in healthcare settings where lifting and transferring patients is routine. By investing in specialized equipment like mechanical lifts and anti-slip flooring, the facility has significantly reduced the incidence of strains and sprains among staff. Additionally, the home has integrated wellness programs that address both physical and mental health, offering stress management workshops and access to counseling services. These efforts not only protect employees but also ensure that residents receive uninterrupted, high-quality care.

In a statement released by the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau Director Sarah Sullivan praised the Machias home for its exemplary performance. "The Safety and Health Award for Public Employers recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to create safe workplaces," Sullivan said. "The Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias exemplifies this commitment, demonstrating how public entities can lead by example in protecting their workforce while serving the community. Their low injury rates and proactive safety culture are truly commendable."

Echoing this sentiment, the CEO of Maine Veterans’ Homes, Shirley J. Barnes, expressed pride in the achievement. "This award is a testament to the dedication of our staff who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to our veterans," Barnes stated. "Safety is at the heart of everything we do. By prioritizing the health and well-being of our employees, we ensure that our residents – the heroes who have sacrificed so much for our country – receive the best possible support. We're honored to be recognized and remain committed to continuous improvement."

The recognition comes at a time when workplace safety in healthcare facilities is under increased scrutiny, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public employers like veterans' homes face unique challenges, including staffing shortages, high-stress environments, and the need to balance resident care with employee protection. In Maine, where the veteran population is significant – with over 100,000 veterans calling the state home – facilities like the one in Machias play a vital role in the state's healthcare infrastructure. The SHAPE award not only validates the home's efforts but also serves as an inspiration for other public institutions to elevate their safety standards.

Delving deeper into the home's history, the Maine Veterans’ Homes organization traces its roots back to 1977, when it was established to address the growing needs of aging veterans. The Machias facility, opened in the 1990s, was specifically designed to serve the Down East region, providing accessible care to veterans in rural areas who might otherwise face long travel distances for services. Over the years, it has evolved to incorporate modern healthcare practices, including telemedicine for specialist consultations and adaptive technologies for residents with disabilities.

Staff members at the home have shared personal stories that highlight the impact of these safety measures. For instance, a longtime nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted how the introduction of team-lifting protocols prevented a potential back injury during a resident transfer. "It's not just about following rules; it's about creating a supportive team environment where everyone looks out for each other," she said. Veterans residing at the home have also noticed the difference. One resident, a Vietnam War veteran named Robert Ellis, praised the staff's attentiveness. "They make sure everything is safe and clean, which gives us peace of mind. It's like being part of a family that cares," Ellis remarked.

Beyond the immediate benefits, the SHAPE award has broader implications for Maine's public sector. It aligns with state initiatives aimed at reducing workplace injuries, which cost employers millions annually in lost productivity and medical expenses. The Maine Department of Labor reports that public employers who achieve SHAPE status often see improved employee morale, lower turnover rates, and enhanced recruitment efforts. For the Machias home, this could translate to attracting top talent in a competitive job market, ensuring sustained high-quality care for veterans.

Looking ahead, the Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias plans to build on this success by expanding its safety programs. Upcoming initiatives include advanced training in cybersecurity to protect resident data and partnerships with local emergency services for enhanced disaster response. Administrators are also exploring ways to incorporate resident feedback into safety protocols, recognizing that veterans' experiences can provide valuable insights into improving the environment.

This award is more than a plaque on the wall; it's a symbol of unwavering commitment to those who have served. In a state proud of its military heritage, the recognition of the Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias reinforces the importance of honoring veterans not just through words, but through actions that prioritize safety, health, and dignity. As Maine continues to support its veteran community, achievements like this pave the way for a safer, more compassionate future.

The SHAPE award ceremony, held virtually due to ongoing health considerations, featured representatives from the Department of Labor, veterans' organizations, and local officials. While the event was modest, the impact is profound, reminding all public employers of the value in investing in safety. For the staff and residents of the Machias home, it's a well-deserved pat on the back and a motivation to keep striving for excellence.

In conclusion, the Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias stands as a beacon of best practices in public sector safety. By earning the SHAPE award, it not only celebrates its own accomplishments but also contributes to a statewide dialogue on workplace health. As veterans continue to rely on such facilities for care, recognitions like this ensure that the promise of support for those who served is upheld with the highest standards of integrity and care. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full WABI-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wabi.tv/2025/07/31/maine-veterans-home-machias-receives-safety-health-award-public-employers/ ]