Company officials standing with SHARP flag

Northwest Tire Inc. was established in 1977 and manages tire and service shops in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. In addition to tire sales and service, the company provides factory-scheduled maintenance and automotive repair. Northwest Tire learned of the North Dakota OSHA (NDOSH) On-site Consultation Program through advertisement and referral from OSHA enforcement. In Aprill of 2023, the corporate office in Bismark, North Dakota was the first site to receive a Consultation visit.

While conducting initial visits at the company’s multiple locations, the NDOSH consultants identified regulatory and serious hazards. The company abated some hazards during the visit while others were abated within the agreed-upon time frame. Example of hazards were electrical hazards, hazard communication hazards, and walking-working surfaces hazards. Northwest Tire developed acceptable correction methods while working closely with NDOSH Consultation to obtain professional assistance through constant cooperation and communication. The company sent one employee to attend a car lift equipment class to be able to understand the safety requirements. The company also implemented a self-inspection program as part of a hazard correction process.

Since the first Consultation visit, safety has become even more of a priority at Northwest Tire. It developed inspection checklists and implemented the use of a QR scan system on its chemical containers where employees can scan the code and have immediate access to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) data on their phones. Northwest Tire has bought more equipment with safety and ergonomics in mind. As an example, they purchased high-pressure hose fitting and crimpers kits which improved the posture of the worker and prevented hand muscles from being subject to awkward positions and unsuitable forces.

In addition to abating all safety concerns identified during NDOSH Consultation visits, the company has instituted new safety features at existing stores, such as:

• Using the QR code for SDS.
• Adding fall protection to loading docks.
• Securing all storage racks to the floor.
• Installing covers to service pits.

Northwest Tire Inc. has had nine facilities achieve Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status since 2023, with the corporate office in Bismark receiving recognition in September of 2024. The SHARP locations are Jamestown, Mandan, Mapleton, Minot, and two in Bismark and Dickinson, North Dakota. 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.

All nine of the Northwest Tire Inc. facilities that received SHARP maintained a low number or decrease in reportable injuries. Various steps contributed to this reduction including training, engineering controls, and an improved workplace safety and health culture. The company is tracking data that shows the positive impact of the SHARP status, including reduced worker’s compensation costs and worker turnover.

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.