NPARL's Safety Information
NPARL is committed to protecting our employees, our workplace, the community, and the environment. Below is both information and additional pages that contain further details, as well as, materials to download.
For questions, comments, or more information contact NPARL's Safety Officer, Jackie Couture, by email: jackie.couture@ars.usda.gov or phone: 1.406.433.9422.
E-rase Your E-waste!
This web page provides planning and other information to anyone interested in recycling electronic waste in their local community. It describes how a small town in eastern Montana developed and hosted its own “E-rase your E-waste” event, and how you can do it, too. It even provides some ready-made promotional materials for general use, as well as samples of letters, brochures and posters from the original event to spur your own ideas. Click here for the E-rase Your E-waste page!
Environmental Management System Plan (EMS)
The USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory (NPARL) in Sidney, MT conducts research on soil and water stewardship and the biological and cultural management of insects, pathogens and weeds within production systems that enhance profitability and environmental quality. In keeping with this stewardship emphasis, NPARL established its Environmental Management System (EMS) in October 2005 and updates it annually in accordance with Executive Order (E.O.) 13423 entitled “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management, ensuring that it also conforms to International Standard Organization (ISO) 14001 standards. On this page you will find more information regarding the EMS policy statement, employee responsibilities, materials to download, and helpful links. Click here for the Environmental Management System (EMS) page!
Weather Related Safety Information
Information about staying safe all year:
Montana ARS Lab Recognized As NWS StormReady Supporter
NPARL was recognized August 10th as a "StormReady Supporter by the National Weather Service (NWS). In announcing the award, Tanja Fransen of the Glasgow, MT weather forecast office noted: "The USDA station in Sidney has been extremely pro-active over the last few years in being prepared, not just for hazards within the facility but also to help with preparedness activities within the community. USDA safety officer Jackie Couture is the chair of the Richland County Local Emergency Planning Committee and actively involved with the Community Emergency Response Team. This is just a natural extension of all the great work they have been doing to help with preparedness in their workplace and the community." The Sidney, MT, ARS lab regularly hosts severe weather training courses and winter weather safety programs for both its employees and the community at large. Fifteen NPARL employees have been certified as NWS weather spotters. NPARL completed a series of rigorous warning criteria necessary to earn the distinction of being the first Storm Ready Supporter in Montana and only the 17th in the nation. The Sidney, MT, research facility is also the only ARS facility in the nation to be recognized.
Helpful Links
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
We all experience personal problems, but many people don't know where to go for help to solve them. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was established to give employees the necessary resources to cope with life's difficulties. You are the more important asset to our business and for that reason we want to help you solve your problems both on and off the job so that you are happier, more focused and consequently more productive.
EAP counselors are prepared to help you deal with a multitude of problems. Whether you visit us for emotional, relationship, alcohol, drug, financial or job concerns, we are here to help you solve them. All EAP services are free to you, and in most cases your immediate family members. If you need additional resources, we will help you find affordable care through your health plan or community.
EAP services are confidential within the limits of the law and in most cases, information will only be released with your written premission. Your counselor will review confidentiality issues with you during your first visit. Remember the EAP is ready to help and all you have to do is:
Call 1-800-222-0364 or Visit our Website at http://www.foh4you.com/
It's free and confidential.
Provided by Federal Occupational Health a component of the U.S. Public Health Service Department of Health and Human Services.
|