The NGFA renewed its cooperative alliance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on May 1, launching a five-year agreement with the agency along with the Grain Handling Safety Council (GHSC) and Grain Elevator & Processing Society (GEAPS) as fellow signatories.
Through the alliance, the four signatories agree to work to reduce and prevent exposure to safety and health hazards associated with the grain handling and storage industry (such as falls, entanglements, combustible dust, electrical, engulfment, and struck-by hazards).
NGFA and OSHA first formed a two-year alliance in 2017 focusing on outreach and communication. The new, five-year agreement includes training and education goals and the addition of GHSC and GEAPS to the agreement.
An implementation team consisting of representatives from OSHA, NGFA, GHSC and GEAPS will meet on May 21 to discuss how to implement the goals of the alliance, which include:
Outreach and Communication:
- Gather and share OSHA, NGFA, GEAPS, and GHSC recommended practices or other effective approaches on the recognition and prevention of grain handling and storage hazards (such as falls, entanglements, combustible dust, electrical, engulfment, and struck-by hazards) among OSHA personnel, industry safety and health professionals, employers, workers, producers, and others through workshops, seminars, lectures, and websites (or other comparable communication methods).
- Share information on OSHA’s National Initiatives (Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, Outreach), and opportunities to participate in initiatives and the rulemaking process.
- Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
- Plan, coordinate, and promote participation in the annual Stand Up for Grain Safety week to encourage employers and workers in the grain handling industry to participate in safety-related activities such as training, hazard identification, and hazard correction.
- When feasible speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA, NGFA, GEAPS, or GHSC conferences, local meetings, training sessions, or other events.
- Encourage NGFA, GEAPS, GHSC, and the state and regional affiliates of NGFA and GEAPS to build relationships with OSHA’s Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues, including grain handling safety.
Training and Education:
- Make available and promote effective training and education programs and resources for grain industry employers, workers, and others regarding the hazards associated with grain handling and storage
