Three safety experts shared their methods, thoughts and stories during the opening workshop for the GEAPS Exchange 2021 in Columbus, OH.
The interactive workshop "Commitment to Safety" targeted those tasked with enforcing safety at grain handling facilities.
Audience members were encouraged to share their safety training and enforcement methods, along with safety failures at their company that has had a lasting effect on how they view safety in the workplace.
Attendees eagerly listened as Dr. Dee Jepsen, professor, state leader of agricultural safety and health, Ohio State University, Nick Steinbach, safety coordinator, Two rivers Cooperative, and Corey Hopkins, senior safety consultant, DEKRA Safety Management Systems, advised on how to convey the importance of safety to employees.
The most important lesson was that safety training needs to be more than a one-time or once-a-year course, but a constant effort by the safety team and grain elevator management.
Employees need to be held responsible when they violate a safety practice and celebrate when they follow one.
Safety has to be ingrained into employees' thinking, as the stories shared by the panelists showed that even a temporary lapse could lead to a termination or, worse, an injury or death.
The opening workshop was just the first in a robust safety education program at the GEAPS Exchange 2021. The Exchange offered education sessions, Expo Pods and daily grain rescue demonstrations throughout the show.
For more GEAPS Exchange 2021 coverage, visit feedandgrain.com/GEAPS.