OSHA Signs an Alliance to Protect Workers from Grain Handling Hazards
The Ohio Agribusiness Association partners with OSHA to help train workers.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Jul 14, 2021
On July 9, 2021, OSHA, the Ohio On-Site Consultation Program, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the Ohio Agribusiness Association signed an alliance to combat the dangers workers face in grain handling. According to a press release, the two-year alliance will help train workers and help them learn about the industries six major hazards: “engulfment, falls, auger entanglement, ‘struck by,’ combustible dust explosions and electrocution hazards and OSHA’s Grain-Handling Safety Standard.
“Grain handling can expose workers to serious and life-threatening hazards, such as fires and explosions from grain dust accumulation, engulfment in grain bins, and injuries and amputations from grain handling equipment,” said OSHA’s Acting Region Administration William Donovan in Chicago. “This alliance aims to provide training and resources to improve workplace safety in this industry.”
An implementation team will meet to develop a plan and determine procedures, roles and responsibilities of the participants. They will also meet twice a year to track and share information on activities, results on goals and promote available training by each organization.
OSHA’s Alliance Program works with different groups who are committed to worker safety and health in the workplace to prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. This includes everything from professional organizations to faith-based organizations. OSHA and these groups work together to develop the right compliance tools and resources, share information in the workplace and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.
Learn more about agricultural industry safety resources here.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.