BOARDMAN, Ore. – The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (“NIOSH”) has issued a report on a field investigation of Threemile Canyon Farms, conducted in August 2005, finding no exposures to employees of ammonia or hydrogen sulfide at or above permitted exposure limits. (HETA Report #2005-0271-2996, April 2006).
NIOSH responded to complaints regarding potential exposure of employees to ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and dust. NIOSH interviewed 56 employees (randomly selected), reviewed the farm’s worker compensation report for 2005 and illness logs from the past 5 years, and conducted extensive field tests at various locations on the farm and dairy on August 9-11, 2005. These conclusions were reached (a summary of the NIOSH Report is attached).
- Ammonia levels are well below recommended exposure limits (we register 2-8 parts per million … the exposure limit is 35 ppm).
Hydrogen Sulfide levels are approximate one-half of the ceiling limit for NIOSH and one-quarter of the ceiling limit for OSHA.
Employee symptoms of “watery eyes” and “itching throat” were determined to be dust related.
“While these results confirm that we have a healthy workplace, we are committed to continuous improvement in all aspects of workplace health and safety,” said Marty Myers — General Manager of Threemile Canyon Farms.
(NOTE: Threemile Canyon Farms is located 150 miles east of Portland, near Boardman, OR. The dairy farm operations are located on 93,000 acres. The farm and dairy employ 300 year round employees and 400 additional seasonal employees. The dairy consists of an 8,500-cow Jersey herd,7,500-cow Holstein herd and 25,000 replacement heifers and dry cows. Please see our website for additional information: www.threemilecanyonfarms.com.)
Highlights of the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation
On June 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request by employees of Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, Oregon regarding concerns about exposure to ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and dust. NIOSH investigators conducted an investigation in August 2005.
What NIOSH Did
records.
What NIOSH Found
tearing eyes, coughing, and sneezing which were attributed to
road dust.
What Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy Managers Can Do
suppression techniques.
What the Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy Employees Can Do
performing
