The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Jefferson County School System (JCSS) and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. OSHA, JCSS, and the ASSE, hereby form an Alliance to provide JCSS employees and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources in order to help protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing youth workers exposure to the prevalent work hazards associated with fields of occupation such as (but not limited to) home care, beauty care, office administration, drafting, industrial maintenance, automotive maintenance, heating and air conditioning mechanics, welding, woodworking, and general construction. An example of the work hazards may include musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), bloodborne pathogens, falls, chemical exposure, machine guarding, electrical, material handling as well as others.

OSHA, ASSE and JCSS will work together to achieve the following training and education goals:

• OSHA and ASSE will develop training and education programs on safety and health issues for JCSS employees, with specific emphasis on reaching youth workers. Train-the-trainer instruction will then be provided to designated personnel within JCSS.
  
  
• The ASSE will develop and deliver workplace safety and health curriculum on a wide range of occupational fields. ¹

OSHA, ASSE and JCSS will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals.

• Develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media including electronic tools. OSHA and ASSE will also provide onsite assistance to clarify safety and health issues for JCSS.
  
  
• Speak, exhibit, or appear at JCSS functions such as conferences and local meetings, as well as other events related to protecting the safety and health of youth workers.
  
  
• Promote the Alliance and encourage other organizations to provide safety and health-related support to the school systems. These organizations may include groups such as the National Safety Council and the University of Alabama – Safe State Consultation Program.
  
  
• JCSS with the support of OSHA and ASSE will encourage other school systems throughout the region to build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues, including protecting youth workers exposure to occupational hazards.

OSHA, ASSE and JCSS will work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health.

• Raise other's awareness of and demonstrate commitment to workplace safety and health whenever JCSS leaders address groups or participate in events such as the Alabama Education Association (AEA) week.
  
  
• Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings addressing successes resulting from the Alliance to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.

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 proved to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with a party, OSHA is not endorsing any of that party's products or services; nor does the Agency enter into an Alliance with the purpose of promoting a particular party's products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of all organizations 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 quarterly to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years. 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 concurrence of all signatories.

¹ Fields of Occupation: Home care, beauty care, office administration, drafting, industrial maintenance, automotive maintenance, heating and air conditioning mechanics, welding, woodworking, and general construction.