Posted August 12, 2024

Minnesota Recognizes Malco Tools Safety Policies

Malco Tools, a Minnesota-based tool manufacturer earned two of the state’s top safety awards.

Pictured left to right: Andrea Kuzj, MNSTAR Industrial Hygiene Consultant; Gordie Corbett, Maintenance Technician at Malco Tools; Tina Diedrick, Wright County Commissioner; Ryan Nosan, Director of MNOSHA Workplace Safety Consultation; Rich Benninghoff, President & CEO at Malco Tools; Chris Strand, Safety and Environmental Manager at Malco Tools; Annandale Mayor Shelly Jonas; State Sen. Bruce Anderson; Minnesota Department of Labor Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach; and Daaron Arnold, MNSTAR Safety Consultant.

The company was recognized with a Minnesota STAR (MNSTAR) certification from the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA), and the 2024 Governor’s Safety Award, awarded by the Minnesota Safety Council.

Malco’s headquarters in Annandale, Minn. is one of just 36 MNSTAR-certified facilities in the state, recognized as a leading company that goes beyond basic compliance with all applicable OSHA standards to prevent job-related injuries and illnesses.

“Our number one priority at Malco is keeping our 150+ associates safe,” said Chris Strand, safety and environmental manager at Malco. “We are very committed to safety, from the highest levels of the organization on down. We have always highly valued our relationship with MNOSHA and are very proud to receive the MNSTAR recognition.”

Before earning this top recognition, Malco maintained its MNOSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MNSHARP) recognition since 2004.

Malco hosted a ceremonial flag-raising event on Aug. 7 to celebrate the MNSTAR certification. State and local government officials were in attendance.

Additionally, due to its safety-first culture, Malco has earned the Governor’s Safety Award 14 times in the last 20 years. Malco was presented with the award during a ceremony in early May.

Key elements of Malco’s comprehensive health and safety program include:

A safety management system based on one of the country's highest safety programs, complete with annual safety goals shared across the organization.
Monthly full-company reviews of safety performance metrics
An active and engaged Safety Committee that reviews safety procedures, completes more safety training throughout the year and monitors progress.
Paid time for associates to take part in safety-related activities.
Regular safety inspections and safe work observations

"It is great to be recognized with these top safety designations, as it is a testament to our team's collaborative efforts in developing successful safety and health programs that we are all very proud of and that make Malco a great place to work,” said Scott Crane, chief strategy officer.


Malco hosted a ceremonial flag-raising event on Aug. 7 to celebrate its MNSTAR certification. Malco is one of just 36 MNSTAR-certified facilities in the state of Minnesota.