title: Impact of preparing for OSHA local emphasis program inspections of New York dairy farms: Case studies and financial cost analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  OSHA inspection of dairy farms began in July 1, 2014 in New York State. As of September 2014, a total of eight farms were randomly selected for inspection. This case study addresses how dairy farm managers prepared for these inspections, and identifies farm level costs preparing for inspection and/or being inspected.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four farms that were OSHA inspected and 12 farms that were not inspected were included in this mixed method evaluation using a multimodal (telephone, email, or mail) survey. Descriptive analysis was carried out using frequencies, proportions, means, and medians.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, the impact of OSHA inspections was positive, leading to improved safety management and physical changes on the farm and worker trainings, although the farmers' perspectives about OSHA inspection were mixed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cost of compliance was low relative to estimated overall production costs. Clarifications and engineering solutions for specific dairy farm hazard exposures are needed to facilitate compliance with OSHA regulations.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gadomski
authors.affiliation: Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Basssett Healthcare Network, Fly Creek, New York.
authors.forename: Marybeth
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vargha
authors.affiliation: Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tallman
authors.affiliation: Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York.
authors.forename: Melissa B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Scribani
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Economics, The Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Timothy W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Kelsey
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003612:Dairying / Q000191:economics*; D000072480:Farms / Q000191:economics*; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D009518:New York; D017751:Safety Management / Q000191:economics*; D012926:Social Control, Formal; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
keywords: Occupational Safety and Health Administration; compliance costs; dairy farm inspections; financial analysis; regulatory effectiveness