Crossroads Cooperative Association (Crossroads) in Sidney, Nebraska handles grain commodities such as corn, wheat, millet, milo, and beans. The company had its first Consultation visit with the Nebraska On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program in February 2022.

During the visit, the consultant identified hazards associated with working platforms, minor electrical issues with extension cords and plugs, exit signs, fire extinguisher placards, and chemical storage. Crossroads corrected all hazards identified at all company sites within 30-60 days. Fall hazards were eliminated by bringing working platforms into compliance by adding an end gate.

Prior to the visit with Nebraska Consultation, Crossroads had a robust safety and health program. The company’s safety director was conducting hazard identification and correction training monthly and annually. Bin entry programs were fully in place and toolbox talks were conducted each morning to discuss the day’s tasks and potential safety risks. As a result of the visit with Nebraska Consultation, Crossroads fine-tuned its existing measures to enhance its overall safety and health system involving temporary electrical and emergency action items.

The Sidney location was accepted into the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) on February 6, 2024. In 2023, Crossroads Cooperative Association had two other Nebraska locations recognized into SHARP. Its Bridgeport and Gering locations were both accepted into the program in August 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.

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.