MIDDLETON, WIS. — Placing an emphasis on health and safety efforts for dairy processing industry employees, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) announced a new alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Representatives from the organizations signed an agreement Oct. 17 at Foremost Farms USA’s headquarters, establishing that WCMA and OSHA will meet annually to identify areas of emphasis and track progress regarding goals.

WCMA shared that the objectives of the partnership include sharing information on safety laws, standards and OSHA initiatives; perpetuating OSHA communications with the industry on key issues and innovative safety solutions; and developing dairy processing-specific resources that cover common workplace hazards, employer responsibilities and worker rights.

Rebekah Sweeney, senior director of programs and policy for WCMA, said the trade association was pleased to build on its relationship with OSHA.

“There’s no more valuable resource for WCMA members than their employees, and no higher priority than keeping those team members safe at work,” Sweeney said.

Previously, WCMA worked with OSHA to develop training programs, covering topics such as identifying, abating and avoiding job-related hazards. WCMA said the basic safety training curriculum provides strategies related to machine guarding, lockout/tag out, prevention of slips, trips, and falls, chemical controls, and control of hazardous energy, noting those are the focus areas of OSHA’s regional emphasis program for food processors.

Another class was designed for the industry’s safety trainers, providing skills and strategies for communicating safety expectations and maximizing compliance.

OSHA area director Robert Bonack said the alliance with WCMA will further benefit the dairy processing industry.

“Our programs will focus on protecting workers from known industry hazards associated with machinery, occupational noise, heat illness and electrical safe work practices to ensure every employee safely completes their shifts each day,” Bonack said.

Active in WCMA’s employee safety programs, Foremost Farms hosted the alliance announcement. WCMA shared that the dairy cooperative and food manufacturer boasts a strong safety record and its core values include “working safely in all we do.”

Said Foremost Farms director of environmental health and safety Jim DeSonia: “We believe every employee has a responsibility for safety, and we work to share and implement best safety practices across the entire Foremost Farms network. We are dedicated to the path OSHA sets to help us meet and strive to exceed safety standards.”