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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2003 - 03/14/2003 - GRAIN INDUSTRY SAFER UNDER OSHA STANDARD |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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TRADE NEWS RELEASE Friday, March 14, 2003 Contact: Frank Meilinger Phone: (202) 693-1999 GRAIN INDUSTRY SAFER UNDER OSHA STANDARD OSHA Completes Regulatory Review of Standard WASHINGTON -- The grain industry is a safer place to work since OSHA's Grain Handling Facilities Standard went into effect, according to a regulatory review of the standard. Since the standard was promulgated in 1987, there were 70% fewer fatalities and 55% fewer injuries from grain explosions, and the number of grain suffocations went down 44%. The review also found that implementation of the standard has not had a negative effect on the industry generally or on small businesses within the industry. "It is important that we regularly review our standards," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "In this case the review showed that the standard is helping to save lives and has not had a negative effect on the industry. At the same time, the review pointed out some particular clarifications and changes that we can make to assist in compliance with the standard." OSHA conducted its regulatory review of the Grain Handling Facilities Standard, under Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Section 5 of Executive Order 12866, to determine if the standard is needed and if it should be amended. OSHA found that the standard has not had a negative impact on small businesses; the standard saves lives; and no major changes have occurred in technological, economic, or other factors that warrant a substantial revision of the standard. Based on comments received during the review, OSHA will issue clarifications and consider possible improvements to the Grain Handling Facilities Standard, including whether the confined space requirements of the Grain Handling Standard should apply to all areas of grain storage facilities currently covered by the general Confined Spaces Standard. The agency will also consider updating references to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements that are in the Grain Handling Facilities Standard. OSHA's Grain Handling Facilities Standard focuses on requirements for controlling grain fires, grain dust explosions, and hazards associated with entry into bins, silos, and tanks. Grain mills and grain elevators are the major sectors affected by the standard. OSHA is dedicated to assuring worker safety and health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. Editor's Note: A summary of the report will be published in the March 14 Federal Register. The full report will be posted on OSHA's web site www.osha.gov. Print copies of the full report will be available shortly. To order a copy, contact OSHA at (800) 321-OSHA. # # # This news release text is on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov. Information on this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999. |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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