Department of Labor, Aims Community College alliance seeks to promote safety, health for agriculture workforce

Participants:      U.S. Department of Labor’s

                            Occupational Safety and Health Administration

                            Aims Community College

Alliance description: On July 5, 2023, OSHA and the college signed an alliance to provide training and safety and health resources to agricultural students and the public. The goal is to help reduce exposure to machine guarding, lockout tagout, dust control/combustible dust and confined space hazards.

The alliance will provide student safety training and focus on hazard identification techniques, programs and methods. The two-year alliance will also help employees understand their rights and employer responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Background:  OSHA’s Alliance Program works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based organizations and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

Quote: “Working together with Aims Community College, we can equip young people — many of whom will enter the agricultural industry — with the understanding of how to recognize workplace hazards and avoid harm. This alliance will also help us educate and inform the general public on staying safe and healthy in the workplace,” explained OSHA Area Director Amanda Kupper, in Denver.