OSHA Alliance Program

2 n Facilitates voluntary collaboration with OSHA to address such things as: F Elimination or control of a particularly serious hazard endangering employees F New safety and health issues F Special problems facing a particular industry n The Alliance Program is open to all groups, including trade and professional organizations, businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and labor unions. n Alliances can be established by OSHA’s National, Regional, and Area Offices, or by State Plan States. In addition, OSHA On-site Consultation Projects may be signatories and participate in the Alliance Program.

3 OSHA Alliance Program n The Alliance Program complements OSHA’s other cooperative programs by addressing safety and health concerns identified by the Agency. F Alliance Program agreements do not include an enforcement component, such as exemption from general scheduled inspections or monitoring visits F Alliances are also different from other cooperative programs because their agreements are not worksite-based; instead focus on entire industries or hazards within the industries.

4 Alliance Program Goals n OSHA and the participating organizations must define, implement and meet a set of short and long-term goals that fall into three categories: F Training and Education u examples of activities and products include developing and delivering training and education programs and curricula. F Outreach and Communication u examples of activities and products include speaking and exhibiting at conferences, developing compliance assistance tools and resources, and promoting and encouraging members of the organizations to participate in OSHA’s cooperative programs. F Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health u by sharing data on safety and health hazards, participating in various forums and groups to discuss ways of improving workplace safety and health programs, and demonstrating the effectiveness of safety and health programs.

5 Alliance Agreement n Alliances must be formalized through an Alliance agreement that outlines: F Purposes of the Alliance (Program Goals) F Make-up of the Implementation Team u Representatives from OSHA and participating organizations develop strategies and implement programs or processes to meet the defined goals u Must meet al least three times per year to share information and track results F Two-year or other negotiated term F Termination provision

6 Benefits of an Alliance n Build trusting, cooperative relationships with the Agency. n Network with others committed to workplace safety and health. n Leverage resources to maximize worker safety and health protection. n Gain recognition as proactive leaders in safety and health.

7 Products and Activities n Current Alliances have developed a number of products and undertaken many activities including: F Interactive, web-based training tools on occupational safety and health topics F Safety and Health Topics webpages F Training, seminars, or sessions at conferences, meetings and other venues by OSHA staff and Alliance Program participants

8 Alliance Participants n General Industry F Industrial Truck Association F Society of the Plastics Industry F American Apparel and Footwear Association F American Foundry Society F Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair F Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association F Graphic Arts Coalition F Altec Industries, Inc. n Professional Societies F Association of Occupational Health Professionals F American Red Cross F Board of Certified Safety Professionals F Society for Chemical Hazard Communication F American Industrial Hygiene Association F American Society of Safety Engineers n Labor Unions F Drug Free Workplace (9 labor unions) F International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers n Many More…

9 Alliance Program Growth n Since its inception in March 2002, the Alliance Program has grown dramatically. F FY 2002 – 10 Alliances F FY 2003 – 103 Alliances F FY 2004 – 239 Alliances F FY 2005 – 362 Alliances F FY 2006 – 458 Alliances

10 Information n OSHA’s website: n For National Alliances, contact OSHA’s Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, n For Regional or Local Alliances, contact the OSHA Regional Office in your area