WASHINGTON, July 31, 2019 – The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) recommended several policy improvements that would “create a more reliable, competitive and cost-effective official grain inspection and weighing system” during a July 31 Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on the reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA). “The grain storage, handling and export industry specializes in the logistics of purchasing the commodities a farmer grows and finding a market for it here at home or in global markets,” said Bruce Sutherland, president of Michigan Agriculture ... Read More
Safety, Health & Environment
OSHA kicks off Safe + Sound Week on Aug. 12
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is encouraging businesses and organizations, including the NGFA, to promote workplace safety and health programs during Safe + Sound Week, Aug. 12-18. The week-long event encourages employers to implement workplace safety initiatives, and highlight workers’ contributions to improving safety. “Leadership commitment matters and demonstrates workplace safety is a priority,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “Safe + Sound Week reminds employers that ... Read More
EPA moves forward with repealing WOTUS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week made the next move in its effort to repeal the 2015 waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule by sending the final draft of its replacement to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Under the Obama administration’s 2015 WOTUS rule, EPA’s jurisdiction was expanded over the nation’s bodies of water, leading agricultural and business groups to criticize the agency for federal overreach. President Trump issued an executive order early in his presidency directing EPA to create a new rule using as a model the late Justice Antonin Scalia’s ... Read More
NGFA publishes new Safety Tips Sheets
The NGFA published three new “Safety Tips Sheets” on July 11. The new guides – Emergency Action Plans, Proper Glove Selection and Hot Work – by NGFA Manager of Safety, Education and Training Jim Seibert, can be accessed as pdfs below. NGFA members are encouraged to share them as widely as possible. Emergency Action Plan Proper Glove Selection Hot Work The NGFA "Safety Tips" series is published periodically as part of the Association's continued commitment to safety in the workplace. These documents are designed to provide more information on certain types of hazards and suggested ways ... Read More
Is a dust hazard analysis required in the grain, feed and processing industry?
By Jess McCluer, Vice President of Safety and Regulatory Affairs Recently, there have been questions raised within the grain, feed and processing industry on whether a “dust hazard analysis” is required for either new or existing facilities. This article is intended to clarify this matter. At issue is the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 652: Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust, 2016 edition, which was created to promote and define hazard analysis, awareness, management and mitigation of hazards associated with combustible dust within facilities. The standard ... Read More
“Outcomes of Legal Challenges to the Grain Industry” airs next during digital CONVEY ’19
The next webinar of CONVEY ’19 airs June 26. But there are already several webinars and accompanying education materials available. To gain access, subscribe to “CONVEY ’19 – A Summer of Safety Streaming,” co-hosted by NGFA and Grain Journal. The next CONVEY ’19 webinar will provide an overview of specific cases that legally challenged Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations within the grain and feed industry. Eric Conn, of Conn Maciel Carey LLP, will lead the presentation and Q&A session. CONVEY ’19 is an entirely digital conference offering a ... Read More
A new, digital format for CONVEY19 arrives this summer
Starting June 12, the NGFA and Grain Journal will present “CONVEY19 – A Summer of Safety Streaming,” an entirely digital conference offering a mix of live webinars and downloadable original content. “We’re very excited to offer a digital conference, which will allow even more members of the grain handling, feed, processing and milling industry to access high-quality safety materials and industry experts,” said NGFA Vice President of Safety and Regulatory Affairs Jess McCluer. “Thanks to the creative thinking and teamwork from the staff at Grain Journal and my colleagues at NGFA, ... Read More
NGFA outlines options for addressing flood-damaged grain
Midwestern rivers are overflowing again, causing flood damage across several states. Since March, floodwaters from the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers have caused billions of dollars of damage to farmland, homes and businesses. Rivers in many communities have been above flood stage for more than six weeks. The House is set to vote on an updated emergency disaster-assistance funding bill on May 10 totaling $17.2 billion for recent disasters, including an additional $3 billion to address Midwest flooding. Meanwhile, grain handlers have found themselves needing to make ... Read More
EPA proposes glyphosate management plan, reaffirms no health risk
By Sarah Gonzalez, Director of Communications and Digital Media The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 1 proposed management measures for glyphosate as part of its review of the herbicide, while restating that the agency has found no evidence that it threatens public health. “As part of this action, EPA continues to find that there are no risks to public health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label and that glyphosate is not a carcinogen,” the agency said in its announcement. “The agency’s scientific findings on human health risk are ... Read More
‘Your Safety Matters’ safety training video now available online
The NGFA’s popular “Your Safety Matters” video training program, developed in partnership with the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), now is available to watch or download online! The 30-minute video, intended for employees of grain handling, feed manufacturing and grain processing operations, addresses many safety-related issues, including: Fires and explosions; Confined space and bin entry; Truck and rail safety; Safe operation of equipment; Ladder safety; Manlifts; Electrical; Personal protective equipment; Hazard communication; First aid; ... Read More
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