Alliance -- An OSHA Cooperative Program<< Back to Region III

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Philadelphia Area Office, The Steel Erectors Association of Metropolitan Philadelphia and Vicinity, Inc (Steel Erectors Association) and The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local Union #401 (Ironworker's Local #401), it's Members and Signatory Contractors continue to recognize the value of maintaining a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces.  To that end, OSHA and The Steel Erectors Association & Ironworkers Local #401 hereby renew the Alliance signed November 14, 2008, with a continued emphasis on hazards associated with the Steel Erection Industry.  Specifically, the identified organization(s) are committed to providing The Steel Erectors Association & Ironworkers Local #401members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers and understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).  Through the Alliance, the organizations will continue to address fall hazards and struck-by hazards. In renewing this Alliance, OSHA and The Steel Erectors Association & Ironworkers Local #401 recognize that OSHA's State Plan and On-site Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.

Raising Awareness of OSHA's Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following goals related to raising awareness of OSHA's rulemaking and enforcement initiatives:
  • To share information on OSHA's National/Regional/Local Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process.
  • To share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
Training and Education

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following training and education goals:
  • Continue to develop effective training and education programs for the Steel Erection Association members and other Ironworkers Local #401 signatory contractor's principals and their field representatives regarding falls and struck-by hazards, and to communicate such information to constituent employers and workers.
  • Continue to Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop steel erection safety training and education programs for iron worker apprentices and journeymen, with a focus on fall protection, and to provide expertise in communicating such information to employers and employees in the industry.
  • Continue to develop effective training and education programs for Ironworker's Local #401 journeymen and apprentices to promote understanding of workers' rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, and the responsibilities of employers and to communicate such information to workers and employers.
  • Continue to provide effective cross-training sessions for Steel Erection Association Members, Ironworkers Local #401 members and OSHA personnel on topics related to the Steel Erection Industry as well as assisting in other identified areas of training.  
Outreach and Communication

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:
  • Continue to work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of steel erection hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g. print and electronic media) to employers and employees in the industry.
  • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or Steel Erectors Association of Metropolitan Philadelphia and Vicinity, Inc. and Iron Workers Local Union #40l conferences, local meetings, job fairs or other related events.
  • Promote and encourage the steel erection contractors' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation, and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
  • Continue to build relationships with OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office to share technical expertise and best practices and to address health and safety issues as well as assist each other in areas of training.  
  • Continue to nurture relationships between The Steel Erectors Association Members, Ironworkers Local Union No. 401, as well as other Ironworkers Local 401 signatory contractors with OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office to share technical expertise and best practices and to address health and safety issues.
OSHA's Alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as raising awareness of OSHA's rulemaking and enforcement initiatives, training and education, and outreach and communication.  These Alliances have proved to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants.  By entering into an Alliance with a party, OSHA is not endorsing or promoting, nor does it intend to endorse or promote, any of that party's products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of each organization will meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants.  In addition, they will meet at least three times per year to track and shareinformation on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance.  OSHA team members will include representatives of OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office and any other appropriate offices.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Any signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days written notice.  This agreement may be modified at any time with the written concurrence of all signatories.

Signed this 17th day of December, 2010.





Albert D'Imperio
Area Director
Philadelphia Area Office
Occupational Safety & Health Health Administration
Michael Tierney
President
Steel Erectors Association of
Metropolitan Philadelphia & Vicinity, Inc.


Joseph J. Dougherty
Business Manager
International Association of Bridge,
Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing
Iron Workers
Local Union #401
Frank Marsh
Apprentice Coordinator
International Association of Bridge,
Structural, Ornamental &Reinforcing
Iron Workers
Local Union #401