Agricultural News
AFBF Applauds OSHA's Compliance with Grain Bin Safety Law
Wed, 12 Feb 2014 10:05:01 CST
Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, issued the following statement after the Department of Labor withdrew its Family-Farming Guidance this morning:
"The Department of Labor's decision to withdraw enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's small farm grain bin guidance is a positive step forward for agriculture. The American Farm Bureau Federation is optimistic that this action will result in OSHA's compliance with the small farm exemption as required by law.
"Farm safety is a top-of-mind priority for our farmers. Throughout the country, state and county Farm Bureaus conduct safety training programs and work to ensure that everyone who is working on a farm is trained and safe. We not only appreciate OSHA's concern with grain bin safety, we are committed to grain bin and farm safety. But we also believe that the key to improving farm safety is a collaborative, cooperative process that was not helped by OSHA's enforcement under the just-rescinded 2011 guidance document that was not consistent with the law.
"Farm Bureau appreciates the efforts on this issue by the House Education and Workforce Committee, including Worker Protections Subcommittee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich). We also commend Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) for coordinating bipartisan letters drawing attention to this important issue. We encourage DOL to reach out to farm groups to help develop additional farm safety programs. Preventative measures would better serve OSHA's and the farm community's shared goal of farm safety."
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