OMAHA – The Nebraska Workforce Development – Department of Labor will recognize The Scoular Company facilities in Big Springs, Brandon, Lamar and Venango, on Thursday, January 26 with the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Award for the company’s exemplary workplace safety programs for employees.

In a special award ceremony being held in Grant, Nebraska on Thursday, Bill Hetzler, Director of Safety and Labor with the Nebraska Workforce Development - Department of Labor will present the business with the SHARP Award and SHARP flag. Occupational Safety and Health Administration representatives will also be present to honor the company.  The event will take place at Stumpy’s restaurant at 6:30 p.m. 

“The Scoular Company has a lot to be proud of in achieving this recognition,” said Fernando Lecuona III, Commissioner of Labor. “Businesses who receive SHARP status do so by going above and beyond in the area of workplace safety. The Nebraska Workforce Development – Department of Labor is proud to recognize The Scoular Company for their commitment to safe and healthy work environments.”

Companies earn SHARP certification by demonstrating a strong commitment to workplace safety and health as reflected in reduced occupational injury/illness experiences and development of a safety and health management program.

Randy Linville, Scoular’s President and CEO, said receiving the SHARP Award further strengthens the company’s commitment to workplace safety and provides a goal for the company’s other facilities.

“At The Scoular Company, we work hard to run productive businesses and to meet the needs of our customers,” Linville said. “Our business goals are important, but we have no goal more important than protecting the safety of our employees.”

“I am especially proud of all the employees included in the Venango Group facilities as they have strived to achieve this award.  Over the last three years Scoular has worked hard and successfully transformed the Venango elevator into a rail shuttle loading facility.  The dedication shown by this group of employees in operating a safe and efficient operation has been truly outstanding.  This award is a testament to that dedication.”

“As we all know, safety doesn’t happen by accident; It happens one employee at a time,” Linville said. “By observing safety precautions, each individual contributes to making safety a reality.”

The Scoular Company, headquartered in Omaha, is a century-old agribusiness company supplying grain and food and feed ingredients throughout North America. The company presently has approximately 450 employees.

Once a company achieves the prestigious status of the SHARP Program, they are removed from OSHA’s routine inspections for one year.

Employers who continue meeting the requirements will be exempted for two-year periods upon their second renewal, for as long as they choose to participate. Additionally, after the second year renewal, their injury and illness rates are averaged for a three-year period for qualification.

Certification in the Nebraska SHARP Program is a process that includes a comprehensive consultation and a satisfactory review. The company must meet several requirements to qualify, including correcting all hazards identified during the survey process.

Eldon Diedrichs, program manager for the consultation program, said there are currently 25 businesses in Nebraska that are part of the SHARP program. 

“This program really offers great benefits to businesses,” Diedrichs said. “In addition to the one-year exemption from OSHA inspections, the award appeals to employees because the SHARP Program requires employee commitment and active involvement and because employees genuinely want to work in a safe environment.”

The Scoular Company’s headquarters is located at 2027 Dodge Street in Omaha. The ceremony will take place at Stumpy’s restaurant in Grant, Nebraska.  Media outlets are invited to attend.

Statement from Commissioner Lecuona

“If companies outside Nebraska are looking for a new place to set up shop or expand, I encourage them to look at Nebraska,” Lecuona said. “An environment is being created in Nebraska that promotes safe work places, utilizing programs like the SHARP Voluntary Consultation Program. This is a true partnership between the state, Federal OSHA, the Employer and the Employees to create and support a safe and healthy work environment.”