OSHA- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established an alliance with the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association that will focus on addressing the grain and feed industry's six major danger areas, which are outlined in OSHA's Local Emphasis Program for Grain Handling Facilities. These include engulfment, falls, auger entanglement, "struck-by," combustible dust and electrocution hazards.
"This alliance is an opportunity for OSHA and the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association to work together to train employers and workers about the unique hazards of the grain and feed industry," said Kim Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison. "We will continue to improve the safety and health of workers on Wisconsin farms." OSHA and the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association will provide information and guidance to employees and employers, and develop training programs to reduce injuries and improve overall safety and health. Emphasis will be placed on using effective machine guarding as well as implementing programs for locking out the energy sources of equipment and entering confined spaces. Additionally, the partners jointly will identify and develop speaker resources for local meetings and conventions, and informational materials to be disseminated at these events. Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.