Summary

Systems to protect worker health and safety at fertilizer manufacturing and retail facilities typically include policies and procedures to ensure that workers are knowledgeable about the chemicals they are working with and around. These policies are also designed to ensure workers are properly trained in handling chemicals, wearing appropriate protective gear and clothing, working with specific machinery and inspecting and repairing facility components.

Background

A Commitment to Worker Safety

Hazard communication programs ensure that workers have access to information about all chemicals found in the workplace and that that these workers know how to safely clean up spills or unintended releases of chemicals.  Fertilizer companies also ensure that workers receive and properly use personal protective equipment in order to minimize exposure to workplace hazards.  Fertilizer facilities also monitor and audit their facilities to ensure safe working environments with minimal environmental exposures to workplace hazards. Audits also confirm that workplace safety policies, procedures and training are used on a company and facility-wide basis.

A Parallel Commitment to Community Safety 

The fertilizer industry is committed to minimizing the risk of injury or environmental impact to the communities in which it operates.  Risk management systems typically include a hazard assessment that details the potential effects of an accidental release of a chemical outside the facility’s boundaries. These systems also include prevention programs that include safety precautions, maintenance, monitoring and emergency response components.  These programs will spell out emergency health care, employee training measures and procedures for informing the public and response agencies (such as fire departments, police and cleanup crews) should an accident occur.  Manufacturing and retail facility operators often work with first responder units to stage drills and simulated incidents. Some facility employees often serve as first responders or are on call to provide technical expertise in the event of an accident or accidental spill.