MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, US — The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is accepting enrollment for the 2022 Safety Awards Program. The program recognizes facilities that go an entire year without a work-related lost-time injury or illness and facilities that have zero recordable work-related injuries or illnesses.

Facilities that successfully complete the program receive a plaque and recognition on GEAPS’ website and bi-monthly newsletter.

Barb Grove, CGOM, Central Valley Ag Cooperative, GEAPS International president, noted the importance of recognition in an effective safety program.

“Safety is the top priority at every storage facility and elevator,” Grove said. “It’s important to recognize all the hard work that goes into keeping your employees safe. The GEAPS Safety Awards Program is a great way to show your commitment to providing a safe workplace and acknowledge the effort that goes into reinforcing your safety culture.”

The program is open to any company involved in the grain industry, including elevators and other storage facilities, processing plants and mills, construction companies and suppliers. 

Steve Records, executive director of GEAPS, said the program fits within GEAPS’ vision as a knowledge resource for the industry.

“GEAPS knows how important safety is to companies in our industry,” Records said. “Our program was designed to recognize companies who promote a safety culture and have been successful at sending their people home safely each day. We encourage all companies and facilities to use the program to reinforce safety topics for their employees.”

Companies that have participated in the past are encouraged to enroll online. For first-time companies, applications are available at: https://www.geaps.com/about-geaps/awards-recognition/safety/. 

Enrollment must be completed and submitted to GEAPS by Jan. 17, 2022. Facilities must then go all of 2022 without a work-related lost-time injury or illness and complete the online reporting form or submit their 2022 OSHA 300A form, along with the total number of personnel hours worked at the facility during the calendar year.

For facilities outside the United States, a separate form or signed letter on company letterhead stating that there were no lost-time injuries or illnesses and reporting the total personnel-hours worked are accepted. Contact Deb Most (deb@geaps.com) with GEAPS for more information.

The enrollment fee is $95 for facilities that employ a GEAPS member, and $140 for non-member facilities. Only one facility discount is allowed per member.