Husky Corporation is a leading provider of fuel dispensing products and services. As the company grew, Husky developed the first nozzle hold-open latch for fuel dispensing convenience, the first break-away valve to solve a problem created by the adoption of self-service fueling. The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations celebrated Labor Day 2024 by honoring the hardworking men and women who contribute to the state's economy. As part of the celebration, state officials visited Husky Corporation, which worked with the Missouri On-Site Consultation Program (Missouri Consultation) and achieved Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status. A video developed by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations highlights the company’s commitment to safety and its journey to SHARP.

Husky Corporation had its first Consultation visit in 2009. The safety and health consultants from Missouri Consultation identified hazards associated with overhead storage, compressed gas cylinders, flammable liquids, lockout/tagout (LOTO), powered industrial trucks, overhead cranes, machine guarding, welding, portable powered tools, electrical, bloodborne pathogens (BBP), hazard communication, personal protective equipment (PPE), and OSHA 300 Logs. The company went to work addressing the findings. It added support for compressed gas cylinders, bonded and grounded flammable liquid transfers, reviewed LOTO procedures annually, replaced forklift nameplate with load limit data, started monthly crane inspections, placed guards on several pieces of machinery (lathe, drill, bandsaw, belts, grinder, etc.), ensured that electrical panels were kept clear of storage, replaced electrical cords that ran through walls with conduit, established a documented BBP program, fixed containers that were missing labels, completed a PPE hazard assessment, and corrected OSHA 300 Log data.

Over the years the company has also made improvements such as posting safety goals, conducting self-inspections, adding a hazard reporting system, conducting job hazard analysis, updating job descriptions to include safety tasks, completing accident investigation with root cause analysis, completing employee perception surveys, and increasing employee involvement in training topics and reviewing OSHA programs. When new processes and/or equipment has been added, Missouri Consultation has helped to review job hazard analysis, engineering controls, PPE, and LOTO procedures.

Husky Corporation first achieved SHARP status in 2011, with SHARP renewals in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. SHARP acknowledges small and medium-sized businesses that have used OSHA On-Site Consultation Program services and operate exemplary workplace safety and health programs. Small businesses that achieve SHARP status receive a deferral from OSHA or the State Plan programmed inspections for the period that the SHARP designation is valid. Acceptance of a worksite into SHARP is an achievement that identifies the employer as a model for occupational safety and health among its business peers.

“Husky Corporation is a wonderful example of a Missouri business that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its employees,” said Anna Hui, director of the Missouri Department of Labor. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and to highlight their commitment to workplace safety.”

Companies interested in SHARP can contact their local OSHA On-Site Consultation program to discuss details and schedule an onsite safety and health evaluation. OSHA On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards and how to fix them, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, train and educate workers, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from OSHA enforcement efforts. To locate the OSHA On-Site Consultation program nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/consultation.