FEED•LOT November 2015 15
fatalities per hour of work.
OSHA's website is full of cita-
tions for unsafe equipment, non-
recorded injuries, inadequate
training, lack of confined-space
p
rocedures and the list goes on.
A
nd these are just the citations
most often cited on feedlots—all
bringing with them the potential
for fines in the six- to seven-figure
range. Worse yet, along with these
violations comes an unwanted
spotlight, as OSHA likes to make
an example of habitual offenders.
Steps to Improving Safety
• Know what OSHA expects—
especially under the General Duty
Clause. But anticipate safety haz-
ards according to your specific op-
eration. Many larger companies
write their own standards that ex-
ceed OSHA guidelines.
• Train your employees on all
your feedlot's hazards — If noth-
ing else, teach them according to
the user's manual for every tool,
piece of equipment and vehicle on
your facility.
• Start regular training that
meets OSHA's standards in key ar-
eas—OSHA has mandated several
safety topics that must be taught
to all employees. Get new hires
trained on these right away and
everyone else once a year.
• Keep records on file—Docu-
ment and maintain the safety poli-
cies and procedures you've estab-
lished on your feedlot, and keep
records on your employee training.
If OSHA inspectors come calling,
they'll request this information.
Been There, Done That
In your endeavor to address
safety on your feedlot, perhaps
you've struggled to find training
and compliance information that's
specific to agriculture. It wouldn't
be surprising. One of my clients and
I were in your shoes two years ago,
which inspired us to create Good
Day's Work, LLC. It may not have
the answer for everything you need,
but I encourage you to check it out
at www.gooddayswork.ag.
FL