February 4, 2019
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

U.S. Department of Labor Forms Alliance with Agribusiness Organizations to Protect Workers in Agricultural Industry

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today formed an alliance with The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) to provide training resources and information on protecting the health, safety, and security of workers, emergency responders, and communities surrounding establishments in the agricultural retail and supply industry.

During the two-year alliance, participants will focus on the safe storage and handling of ammonium nitrate and anhydrous ammonia – materials used in fertilizers. Alliance participants will also share emergency response information with agribusiness communities and first responders. With assistance from industry training organization ResponsibleAg Inc., the alliance will help agricultural retail facilities comply with safety and health standards for safe handling and storage of fertilizer products.

Prior to the official recognition of this alliance, OSHA, in cooperation with ARA, TFI, and ResponsibleAg Inc., developed a video that describes the agency’s inspection process under the Regional Emphasis Program for Fertilizer Grade Ammonium Nitrate and Agricultural Anhydrous Ammonia Facilities. The video is one of the first products under the alliance agreement.

“This alliance underscores our collective commitment to addressing industry hazards, and developing best practices to help improve the safety and security of chemical storage, and protect the lives of workers and residents,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt.

TFI represents employers involved in fertilizer manufacturing, importing, exporting, and retailing to farmers. ARA is a non-profit trade association representing agricultural retailers and distributors nationwide on legislative and regulatory issues.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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