We encourage all farmers to become aware of any occupational hazards and voluntarily adopt safety programs. If MIOSHA moves forward to establish any standard for agriculture, Michigan Farm Bureau should work with MIOSHA to ensure minimal negative impacts on agriculture. Non-mandatory guidance principles should be included in any final regulation.
We recommend that any heat-related labor regulations account for the diverse labor 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 under agricultural operations as defined in MI R325.50171.
Educational programs and no-penalty first-time inspections and/or violations. We urge that a portion of the Consultation, Education and Training funding, derived from Workers’ Compensation premiums, be used for agricultural safety training.
Legislation allowing employers to provide employee safety information, such as safety data sheets, in an electronic format.
Changing reporting requirements for accidents/fatalities for agricultural operations to include 911 or other first responder 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.