By Bay City News
As part of the National Farm Safety and Health Week, agricultural employers in California and across the United States are being reminded of the hazards of grain handling and the dangers of working in confined spaces this week, according to officials at the California Department of Industrial Relation's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).
National Farm Safety and Health Week spans from Sept. 15-21 and serves as a time for employers to receive education and training on safe grain and silage handling. According to Cal/OSHA, seven fatalities occurred in 2011 as a result of employees working in a confined space. That number was up from two fatalities in 2010. Cal/OSHA initiated a Special Emphasis Program on Confined Spaces in January 2012 which featured educational outreach to employers in English and Spanish. The program also increased government enforcement of safety regulations in general industry, construction and agriculture.
Employers are required to have a written confined space plan, procedures to test the air inside a confined space, training for employees working in confined spaces and an effective emergency rescue plan, Cal/OSHA officials said. Employers or employees who need additional help on working safely in confined spaces, can contact Cal/OSHA Consultation Service at (800) 963-9424.
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