A & B Sheet Metal, Inc.

Company Profile

A & B Sheet Metal is a family owned and operated business located in Forest Park, Georgia, and has been in business since 1971. As a metal fabrication shop specializing in HVAC ducts and components, A & B utilizes a wide variety of metal cutting and forming equipment to manufacture its product. In addition to manufacturing, A & B Sheet Metal also performs on-site installation of its product.

Interview with Owners Trudy and Tom Barber

Your company has an exemplary safety and health program and illness and injury rate. How did you do it?

We pride ourselves on our 'safety first' thinking, and since 1992 have conducted quarterly safety meetings and on-going training, so we were somewhat surprised to learn of the safety issues Georgia Tech's research group identified in its inspections. With Georgia Tech's assistance, we spent considerable time and sometime painful effort to correct those safety issues. We are extremely proud to be a member of the SHARP program!

What has Tech's value been in the process? Are there any differences that you noticed before Tech, and with Tech involvement?

Georgia Tech's involvement has been invaluable. Prior to Tech's involvement, even though we felt we were already safety conscious we have become even more so. As Tech staff members identified problems, some serious, they also offered valuable advice, direction and support to assist us in correcting those issues. In addition, our employees know we are serious about their safety, and we believe employees also have a better awareness of safety and of their responsibility to maintain a safe work environment. It is Georgia Tech personnel's positive attitude of 'aid and assist' which has been a major factor in our success.

What does the SHARP designation mean to you, your employees and the company?

We are extremely proud of the SHARP designation. It has been a work in progress for us as a company and especially for our employees as individuals to rethink safety. We could not be happier with the results. We will continue to strive to maintain the SHARP designation in the future. It is truly a high honor to be associated with Georgia Tech and OSHA is this capacity.