The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA)

(signed February 04, 2019 ; renewed February 22, 2022)

The OSHA, TFI and ARA Alliance focuses on the safe storage and handling of fertilizers (ammonium nitrate and anhydrous ammonia), as well as the sharing of emergency response information between agribusiness communities and first responders. Specifically, TFI and ARA are committed to providing their members and the public with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health, safety and security of workers, emergency responders, and the communities’ surrounding establishments in the agricultural retail and supply industry, and understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). Through the Alliance, OSHA, TFI, and ARA will continue to build upon the stewardship efforts associated with the ResponsibleAg program, a voluntary program created in 2014 by TFI and ARA to enhance health and safety performance at agricultural facilities.

The goals of the Alliance include:

Raising Awareness: Outreach and Communication

  • Share information on OSHA’s National Initiatives (Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, Outreach), and opportunities to participate in initiatives and the rulemaking process.
  • Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
  • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA, TFI, and ARA conferences, local meetings, or other events, including the OSHA Alliance Program Forum and the National Agronomic Environmental Health & Safety School.
  • Share information among OSHA personnel, small businesses, and industry safety and health professionals regarding TFI and ARA good practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
  • Encourage worker participation in workplace safety and health training programs through the ResponsibleAg program and the National Agronomic Environmental Health & Safety School.
  • Invite workers to participate in Implementation Team Meetings, Alliance outreach activities, and development of any Alliance products.
  • Build relationships between OSHA Regional and Area Offices and members of the agricultural retail industry to address health and safety issues, including the safe storage and handling of fertilizers.