SPARKS, NEV. (March 23, 2026) – A long-standing commitment to protecting its workforce has earned the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility renewed statewide recognition, maintaining its designation in Nevada’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for nearly two decades, one of the state’s highest workplace safety honors administered by the Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS).
What is SHARP and why does it matter?
SHARP recognizes businesses that go above and beyond in creating safe, healthy workplaces. The program is free for employers and provides expert help with identifying safety hazards, improving safety programs, and training employees. To earn the designation, businesses must maintain injury and illness rates below national averages and demonstrate a strong, ongoing commitment to workplace safety. Those that qualify may also receive up to a three‑year deferral from OSHA’s routine inspections.
A long-standing commitment to safety
The Reno‑Stead Water Reclamation Facility first joined the SHARP program in 2005 and has continued to renew its designation ever since. Renewals were originally every two years. Starting in 2017, renewals have been on a three‑year cycle.
“The SHARP program has been an integral component for our plant safety, helping ensure our operators’ safety remains top‑of‑mind, and our policies remain compliant with changing industry standards,” said Justin Mercado, Senior Operator at the facility. “This alone gives personnel a chance to reflect about the potential hazards that can be overlooked, and make sure they have a safe work environment.”
A model for excellence across Nevada
By taking a proactive approach to workplace safety, the facility is part of an elite group of Nevada employers recognized for exemplary safety and health programs.
“The Reno‑Stead Water Reclamation Facility has been a leader of workplace safety for years, and these SHARP renewals demonstrate their dedication to prioritizing employees’ safety,” said Todd Schultz, Chief Administrative Officer for Nevada SCATS. “We look forward to our continued collaboration between the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility and the SCATS team in the pursuit of safety excellence.”
Free safety support for Nevada businesses
SCATS offers confidential, no‑cost safety consultations statewide. Employers can receive help with hazard identification, safety program development, and employee training. Businesses interested in SHARP or other SCATS services can contact the Reno office at 775‑688‑3730 or the Las Vegas office at 702‑486‑9140, or visit scatsnv.org for more information.
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About Nevada SCATS
The Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS), part of Nevada’s Division of Industrial Relations, provides free and confidential consultation and safety services to assist businesses in Nevada to be in compliance with OSHA standards. SCATS helps Nevada businesses keep their employees safe and offers on-site consultation services designed to help employers recognize and control potential safety and health hazards at their workplaces, improve their safety and health programs, and assist in training employees. SCATS also offers Workplace Safety and Health Training classes in Northern and Southern Nevada. Bilingual services are also available. Visit scatsnv.org.
Funding Statement:
The Nevada On-Site Consultation program (SCATS), at the time of initial publication of this document (3/2026), is funded by a cooperative agreement for $903,440 federal funds, which constitutes 16.5% percent of the program budget. 83.5% percent, or $4,511,698 of the program budget, is financed through the Workers’ Compensation and Safety Fund.
About The Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility
The Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility (RSWRF) is owned and operated by the City of Reno. The RSWRF receives wastewater generated by a combination of businesses and residences that equates to approximately 12,000 equivalent residential units from the North Valley’s tributary collections system.
