Steffes Earns Its Third SHARP Award
Company: Steffes Corporation
Location: Dickerson, North Dakota
Employees: 260
NAICS Code: 332999, All other miscellaneous fabricated metal product manufacturing
The Steffes Corporation is a diverse metal fabrication manufacturer and original equipment manufacture supplier, which began in the 1940s as a small manufacturing operation. Since 1940s, Steffes has expanded into three divisions – contract manufacturing, electric thermal storage, and equipment manufacturer of oil and gas products. Headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, Steffes continues to provide quality products and services for a diversified customer base. The Dickinson facility has been SHARP certified since 2007, and the Grand Forks West facility earned SHARP certification in 2014. In 2016, Grand Forks East became Steffes’ third facility to get SHARP certified.
Acceptance into OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) is an achievement of status that distinguishes a company among its business peers as a model of workplace safety and health. SHARP worksites are exempt from programmed enforcement inspections while certification is valid. The Steffes Corporation participation in OSHA’s SHARP has resulted in reduced injury and illness rates, lowered insurance costs, and increased production. In 2015, Steffes’ Grand Forks East facility reported a total recordable case (TRC) rate of 4.2 and days away from work, job transfer or restriction (DART) rate of zero. In comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the national average TRC rate for this industry was 5.3, and DART rate was 2.4 for this period.
By participating in OSHA's On-site Consultation Program, consultants were able to assist Steffes Grand Fork East facility in identifying three electrical hazards, which were all quickly abated. All employees received annual training on ergonomics, Ergonomics Initiative Training, in addition to training on identifying electrical hazards. Furthermore, Steffes has a very active safety committee. The Committee, which is strongly supported by management, meets monthly to review all incidents, accidents, and hazards. Then, the Committee forwards these reports and their recommendations to management for required corrective actions.
OSHA's On-site Consultation Program offers free and confidential safety and occupational health advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-site Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs. In North Dakota, consultation services are provided through Bismarck State College. Additional information about OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program and other small business resources is available at www.osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).