2019 Cotton Gin Safety Initiative Winner

The Cotton Gin, Inc. Wins 2019 Cotton Gin Safety Initiative

AgriTrust of Georgia has announced The Cotton Gin, Inc. of Lenox, Georgia as the winner of the 2019 Cotton Gin Safety Initiative. 

In Georgia, cotton is still king. Cotton ranks number 1 in production value among row and forage crops in Georgia with over 1.4 million acres planted in 2019. Once the farmers harvest their seed cotton, they must send it to a cotton gin to get processed. The ginning process separates the lint from the seed and removes any trash and debris that might be in the cotton. The lint is pressed into bales and shipped around the world for use. The seed is sold as a feed or used to make oil. Even the debris is often sold as a soil additive.

Unfortunately, the ginning industry can be a hazardous profession. Trucks are bringing the cotton in from the farms, loaders are hustling around from the yard to the feeder and that is before you even start the ginning process. In the gin are massive machines, some with hundreds of sharp blades, and all present a potential hazard to the employees. Because of these hazards, AgriTrust of Georgia created the Cotton Gin Safety Initiative.

The Cotton Gin Safety Initiative is a program conducted by AgriTrust, a self-insured workers’ compensation fund that services agribusinesses in the state of Georgia, to encourage safety training by its cotton gin members.  Winners receive a $2,000 check if they had no lost-time claims during the ginning season. The Cotton Gin, Inc. received $2,000 as they had no lost-time claims.

Since 1992, Edd and Fred Powell have owned and operated The Cotton Gin, Inc. During that time, they have witnessed many great advancements in the ginning industry. Some have created a better product for the customers and others have provided greater safety for their employees. At The Cotton Gin, Inc., safety is of high importance. They routinely pass along accident reports from other gins to their employees to highlight the dangers of working in a gin. Extra platforms, railings, and guards have been placed throughout the gin to add an extra layer of protection. All of their actions towards safety helped The Cotton Gin, Inc. win the 2019 Cotton Gin Safety Initiative. Congratulations for your success and safety.