U.S. Department of Labor, Industry Leaders and Safety Professionals Join for Kickoff of 2019 National Safety Stand-Up for Grain Safety Week on March 25

BLOOMINGTON, IL ‒ To raise awareness about the hazards in the grain handling industry, including potentially deadly engulfment and dust explosions, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is joining with industry leaders and safety professionals on March 25, 2019, to initiate the 2019 National Safety Stand-Up and Grain Safety Week, March 25-29 in Bloomington, Illinois.

The event will be held at the Asmark Institute Agricenter, and will feature demonstrations and discussions on engulfment/entrapment; slip, trip, and fall prevention; mechanical hazards; machine guarding; lockout/tagout; walk down; and other prevention measures. Speakers will include Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt.

"OSHA appreciates the safety and health commitment of grain handling industry employers and employees who provide food security for America," said Sweatt. "Grain Safety Week works to increase worker protection awareness by focusing on the hazards in grain handling, and take advantage of available training tools to implement best practices and effective safety and health programs."

WHAT: 2019 National Safety Stand-Up and Grain Safety Week Kickoff Event

WHERE: Asmark Institute Agricenter
14171 Carole Drive - Conference Room D
Bloomington, IL 61705

WHEN: March 25, 2019
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT                

Speakers will make presentations from 1:00-1:45 p.m. and safety demonstrations will follow. The event will also include information booths, and a networking reception beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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Media Pre-Tour: Media members are invited to join a tour of the facility at 12:15 p.m. by registering with the public affairs contacts below.