We proudly announce that Summit Truck Bodies has been awarded OSHA’s prestigious SHARP (Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program) status. This recognition highlights our commitment to maintaining a safe and health-focused workplace. It places us in an elite group of small—to medium-sized businesses recognized for outstanding safety and health standards. Summit Truck Bodies is the only truck body manufacturer in the country to achieve this recognition. Our SHARP exemption is valid through October 18, 2026, a testament to the strong safety culture and standards we uphold.
The Journey to SHARP Certification
This achievement was made possible by the dedication of our entire team, led by Training and Safety Supervisor Garret Wheeler and supported by Plant Manager Chris Walter. Their leadership has guided our team to new heights in workplace safety, cultivating a strong, proactive safety culture.
“We’re extremely proud of our team for achieving SHARP status,” said Garret Wheeler. “This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without their dedication and commitment to building a positive safety culture. By fostering open communication and prioritizing health, we’ve created a safer workplace and set the foundation for our new state-of-the-art facility, designed to uphold these standards and further serve our customers. This achievement reflects our shared commitment to safety, protecting our employees, customers, and the broader community.”
According to Mindy Prichard, Deputy Director of KDOL, “Kansas blows all the other states out of the water. We have 150 locations in SHARP. The second-place state is North Carolina. What sets Summit apart from others is your industry type. There are only ten manufacturers in Kansas with this elite designation out of the 150.”
What is SHARP?
OSHA’s SHARP program acknowledges small and medium-sized businesses with exemplary safety and health programs. Businesses qualifying for SHARP undergo an in-depth OSHA consultation, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that all safety standards are met or exceeded. SHARP certification exempts Summit Truck Bodies from OSHA’s programmed inspections for up to three years, symbolizing OSHA’s trust in our safety practices.
How SHARP Benefits Summit Truck Bodies and Its Customers
Enhanced Workplace Safety
By achieving SHARP status, Summit Truck Bodies ensures a work environment where employee health and safety are top priorities. This reduces potential risks, supports employee morale, and enhances our ability to operate smoothly while delivering the quality and reliability our customers expect.
Operational Efficiency and Reliability
A safer work environment directly contributes to operational efficiency, minimizing disruptions and ensuring consistent production. This enables us to fulfill customer orders on time and support long-term relationships by delivering dependable products.
Product Quality and Consistency
Summit’s commitment to safety also benefits product quality. By focusing on safety, employees can dedicate themselves fully to building high-quality service trucks, cranes, and tool-drawer systems. Customers can trust Summit’s products for their strength, durability, and reliability.
Customer Confidence
SHARP certification underscores Summit’s commitment to safety and quality, strengthening our reputation as a trustworthy partner. This trust allows customers to choose Summit Truck Bodies confidently, knowing that safety and excellence drive every stage of our production.
Celebrating Our Team’s Achievement
To further commemorate this milestone, Summit Truck Bodies hosted a company luncheon, bringing together employees to celebrate their dedication to workplace safety and recognize the collective effort that led to earning SHARP status. To honor this milestone, Summit Truck Bodies hosted a SHARP Recognition Ceremony on February 19, 2025, at our Wathena, KS facility.
Representatives from the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), including Allen Vinyard, Director, and Mindy Prichard, Deputy Director, attended to present the SHARP Certificate and Flag, though OSHA representatives were unable to attend due to weather conditions, recognizing the hard work and commitment of our employees.
We also take pride in the fact that there are no other SHARP-certified companies in the St. Joseph area, further highlighting our leadership in workplace safety.
We thank OSHA and KDOL for this honor and are grateful to our dedicated team, whose commitment has made Summit Truck Bodies a safer, stronger company. This SHARP recognition reinforces our mission to build exceptional products while upholding a lasting culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence.