Oct. 4, 2006 — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a recently formed alliance with Local 2 of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association. With their new alliance, the groups intend to foster safe and healthful workplaces for sheet-metal workers.

“This alliance will provide members with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them to increase employee awareness of safety and health issues,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Charles E. Adkins, CIH, Kansas City, Mo.

The alliance plans to develop training and education programs to prevent exposure to electrical, fall, struck-by and crushed-by hazards that will be presented at the local’s training center and other locations. OSHA and Local 2 will work together to develop and disseminate information to local members through print and electronic media, as well as via Local 2 training classes and local events. The agreement will remain in effect for two years.

OSHA’s alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as training and education, outreach and communication, and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health. These alliances have proven to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its alliance participants.

Additional information about the alliance may be obtained by contacting the OSHA area office in Kansas City, Mo.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.