In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, we welcome Jess McCluer, Vice President of Safety and Regulatory Affairs at the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), to the show. Jess brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation, and his insights into the agricultural industry's safety and regulatory aspects provide valuable takeaways for listeners. Jess highlights the critical importance of safety and health in agriculture, particularly in hazard-prone environments such as grain and feed facilities. As the conversation progresses, Jess dives into the hazards faced by grain elevator and processing facilities and their employees. He expertly discusses a range of risks, from slips, trips, and falls to regulatory compliance challenges related to equipment and machine safety. The focus shifts to the evolving safety culture in the agricultural industry and the increasing emphasis on safety programs and awareness within companies. Jess sheds some light on OSHA's new enforcement programs and updates, such as the heat injury and illness emphasis program and proposed standards for heat prevention. The discussion then turns to ladder safety and falls, with Jess providing insights into the changes in regulations and the industry's efforts to address these issues. As the episode nears its conclusion, Jess McCluer reflects on the value of associations in the industry. He emphasizes that associations like NGFA and GEAPS serve as platforms for networking, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among members. Jess's parting words underscore the importance of these associations in enhancing the industry's safety practices and overall success.GEAPS is hosting their Annual GEAPS Exchange Conference at the Kansas City Convention Center February 24th – 27th. Learn more at www.geaps.com/exchange. Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.