Understanding OSHA Agricultural Standards Introduction The purpose of this initiative is to identify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards directed toward production exemptions, and what they mean to managers and workers. Understanding OSHA as it relates to agriculture is a critical component of risk management and injury prevention. 29 CFR 1928 1928.1: Purpose & Scope 1928.21: Applicability of Standards 1928.51: Roll over protective structures for agricultural tractors 1928.52: Protective frames for wheel type agricultural tractors 1928.53: Protective enclosures for wheel type agricultural tractors 1928.110: Field sanitation 1928.1027: Cadmium General Duty Clause OSH Act Section 5(a)(1) Requires employers to furnish each of his/her employees a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. What is a temporary labor camp? A temporary labor camp is job related housing provided by an employer on a temporary basis for workers not in a permanent location. It is not restricted to migrant housing. Field sanitation standards refer to employees involved in hand labor operations and their access to potable water, hand washing facilities and toilet facilities. Contact Information www.agrisafe.org [email protected]866.312.3002 This material was produced under a grant (SH23580H2) from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, U.S. or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organization Imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Protecting the People who Feed America Directives Available from Other Agencies tates, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have OSHA programs. State programs can supersede the federal OSHA guidelines (state standards must be equal to or can be more stringent than federal standards). National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) – an agency of the Center for Disease Control that performs research and provides guidelines related to exposure levels and personal protective equipment. www.cdc.gov/niosh Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – writes and enforces regulations that work to protect human health in the environment. For agriculture, the EPA enforces the Worker Protection Standard for agricultural pesticides. www.epa.gov/agriculture Enforcement Exemptions and Limitations Under the Appropriations Act Small farming operations are exempt from enforcement of all rules, regulations, standards, or orders under OSHA if they employ 10 or fewer employees currently and at all times during the last 12 months; and have not had an active temporary labor camp during the preceding 12 months. OSHA Instruction CPL 02-00-051 OSHA Standards Should be Followed Regardless of Exemption Status Although OSHA cannot inspect or cite farms with 10 or fewer employees, in a court of law OSHA rules and regulations can be used to identify and prosecute for unsafe conditions that could lead to worker injury or death. If no other standards apply, the OSHA General Duty clause is a frequent reference point. Some Examples of Applicable Standards 29 CFR 1910 General Industry 1910.111: Storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia 1910.142: Temporary labor camps 1910.145: Specs for accident prevention signs and tags 1910.266: Logging operations 1910.1200: Hazard communications 1910.1201: Retention of DOT markings & placards 1901.95: Hearing conservation & noise exposure 1910.132:General requirements for PPE 1910.133: Eye & face protection 1910.134: Respiratory protection Guidelines for appropriate PPE are found in the OSHA PPE standards, NIOSH guidelines, EPA regulations and on the labels of most agricultural products. Contact AgriSafe, a manufacturing safety director in your region, or your extension agent for additional help. employees safe? OSHA Training Education Centers Quick Start Compliance Assistance OSHA Small Business Handbook -2209-02R 2005 OSHA Heat Stress Smartphone Application Frequently Asked Questions NOTE: These standards are only a few examples of OSHA standards that an employer must consider. It is the responsibility of the employer to review, understand and implement the standards that apply to their workplace.
