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Resources: OSHA Compliance on the Farm
On April 8th, 2026, GMP hosted a webinar on OSHA Compliance on the Farm as part of its Dairy Management Webinar Series. Agri-Trust of Georgia provided an overview of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reporting and record-keeping requirements for dairy farms. They also highlighted several "common hazards" that producers should identify and address on their farms to prevent injury and remain compliant with OSHA's General Duty Clause. GMP members can receive the recording to watch the full webinar by emailing info@gamilk.org. Feel free to use the resources below to prepare your farm.
*Please note: farming operations with ten or fewer non-family employees that have not maintained a temporary labor camp within the past 12 months are exempt from several OSHA record-keeping requirements and routine inspection but are still required to maintain a workplace environment free from hazards that can result in serious injury or death.
Reporting Requirements
Employers are required to notify OSHA within 24 hours of inpatient hospitalization, loss of an eye, or amputation. OSHA must be notified within 8 hours of a fatality.
Required Posters
Farms with 10 or more non-family employees are required to post the following posters in a conspicuous and accessible location such as a breakroom or adjacent to where employees clock in and out.
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The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)
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Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
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The Immigration and Nationality Act – Temporary Agricultural Workers (H-2A) *Only required for farms with H-2A workers
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Workers’ Compensation Panel of Physicians and Bill of Rights - *Only required of farms that have workers compensation insurance
Logs & Record Keeping Requirements
Farms with 10 or more non-family employees are required to maintain records tracking workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities as well as documenting safety training and a workplace-specific written safety plan.
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OSHA 300A - Mandatory log summarizing workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities
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Safety Training Records - Required training records include employee names, dates, topics (e.g., tractors, manure pits), trainer names, and evaluation results. For examples and training resources visit the National Dairy F.A.R.M. Program's HR & Safety Management Resources Page.
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Hazardous Chemical Communication - Distributors and manufacturers of hazardous chemicals are required to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that explain proper storing, handling, and use of the chemical. Employers must maintain a copy of the SDS, OSHA judges compliance for chemical handling and safety based on adherence to the SDS recommendations.
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Written Safety Plan: Farms must have a written safety plan, covering the four major categories of:
1. Commitment from Leadership
2. Employee Participation
3. Hazard ID and Control
4. Training
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Examples and templates of safety plans can be found on the OSHA website or Georgia Tech’s Safety, Health, and Environmental Services page.
Preparing for & What to Expect During an OSHA Inspection
Farms can generally expect OSHA inspectors to visit their farm for routine compliance inspections, randomly selected audits, inspections following a reported injury or fatality, or inspections resulting from a complaint. In all circumstances it is best to:
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Have the owner or manager greet the inspectors and take them to an office or conference room for a "pre-conference" where the inspector will describe the reason for the inspection and outline its scope.
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Designate one person to stay with the inspector throughout their visit to the farm (except when the inspector interviews employees). A walkaround inspection will likely be conducted to evaluate the workspace and existing safety protocols.
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Have the designated manager or business owner lead the inspector to the specific areas of the farm mentioned in the pre-conference.
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Offer to provide the inspector with copies of logs and records (safety plan, OSHA 300A log, training documentation) for review in the separate conference room/office where the pre-conference took place.
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Make employees available for an interview with the inspector upon request. Do not tell employees what to say. You must also provide an interpreter if one is available for employees who do not speak English or are more comfortable speaking another language.
Common Hazards on Farms
Dairy farming has roughly twice the injury rate of most other industries. The majority of serious injuries and fatalities involve machinery, tractors and vehicles, animal handling, and manure systems. Focusing on these high-risk areas can help prevent accidents on the farm. For information on OSHA-specific trainings for common hazards and regulations, visit: www.osha.gov/agricultural-operations/resources.
If you have questions about the Dairy Management Series Webinar on OSHA Compliance and Farm Safety, contact info@gamilk.org.