We encourage farmers to become aware of occupational hazards and voluntarily adopt safety programs. If the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) establishes a standard for agriculture, Michigan Farm Bureau should work with MIOSHA to ensure minimal negative impacts. Non-mandatory guidance principles should be included in any final regulation.
We recommend heat-related labor regulations account for the diverse workforce requirements of agriculture and not be so restrictive as to create unnecessary difficulty in completing tasks essential to farming.
As MIOSHA continues as a policy-making body, it is essential that representation be provided for agriculture on applicable agency commissions.
We support:
- Appropriate safety regulations.
- Including construction standards and health standards in the agricultural exemption in MIOSHA administrative code MI R325.50171.
- Educational programs and no-penalty first-time inspections and/or violations.
- A portion of the Consultation, Education and Training funding, derived from Workers’ Compensation premiums, being used for agricultural safety training.
- Legislation allowing employers to provide employee safety information in an electronic format.
- Changing reporting requirements for accidents/fatalities for agricultural operations to include 911 or other first responder supported reporting.
We oppose:
- MIOSHA regulations that exceed federal OSHA standards and/or guidance.
- Enforcement action against an owner/operator resulting from a self-imposed accidental injury.