Dive Into Safety Culture, OSHA Updates, and Emergency Preparedness with WCMA Health & Safety Group

Dairy processing safety leaders are invited to join the next hybrid meeting Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's (WCMA) Health & Safety Group on Tuesday, October 20, from 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (CT) for a day of practical learning, peer networking, and the latest updates on workplace safety. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available now at WisCheeseMakers.org/Events. 

“Safety is a shared responsibility in every dairy processing plant, and our Health & Safety Group gives WCMA members a chance to learn from experts and, just as importantly, from one another,” said WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney. “This meeting brings those conversations to life with an inside look at Masters Gallery Foods’ award-winning safety culture, direct access to OSHA officials, and candid lessons from processors who have navigated real-world emergencies.” 

Open to all WCMA member employees, the Health & Safety Group connects dairy processing professionals to exchange best practices, tackle workplace challenges, and stay ahead of emerging safety issues. The October 20 meeting will be hosted at WCMA member Masters Gallery Foods in Oostburg, Wisconsin. 

The program will open with a WCMA Member Spotlight, “How Masters Gallery Foods Maintains a Strong Safety Culture,” featuring insights into how the 2025 WCMA Employer of the Year has built and sustained its award-winning approach to employee safety. In-person attendees will then tour the Oostburg facility, with a focus on its safety protocols and practices.

After a catered networking lunch, all attendees will hear from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) officials about recent regulatory updates and its 2026 "Top Ten" list of most frequent citations.  Members are welcome to ask any questions of OSHA staff.

The afternoon will conclude with “When the Unexpected Happens: Emergency Preparedness Lessons from Dairy Processors,” a panel moderated by WCMA staff. Hear directly from dairy processors who have experienced emergencies firsthand as they discuss what happened, how their teams responded, what worked and what didn't. The conversation will go beyond the immediate response to explore lessons learned afterward – including changes to emergency plans, communication strategies, employee safety practices, and recovery. 

WCMA members may register and sponsor this meeting now at WisCheeseMakers.org/Events. Questions about WCMA's Health & Safety Group may be directed to Rebekah Sweeney at rsweeney@wischeesemakers.org.