The Montana Grain Elevators Association has signed an alliance with the Montana Department of Labor and OSHA aimed at identifying, reducing and preventing workers' exposure to hazards in the grain handling industry throughout the state.

Under the alliance, OSHA's Billings Area Office, MDLI and MGEA will provide information and guidance and will develop training programs to prevent injuries and improve overall safety and health. The partners will convene and participate in forums, discussions and meetings to forge innovative solutions in the workplace and provide input on safety and health issues.

Suffocation and falls have been identified as the two leading causes of fatalities at grain handling facilities, along with fires, explosions from combustible dust, electrocutions and injuries from improperly guarded machinery.

"The Montana Grain Elevator Association and its members are committed to the safety of our employees and have worked diligently to provide safe work environments," said MGEA president Tim Mattick. "We look forward to working with OSHA to provide a means of communication on opportunities to improve safety at our facilities."

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

Montana employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA alliances and partnerships can call the Billings office at 406-247-7494.