OSHA and the Association of Occupational Health
Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) Alliance
Close-out Report

On February 19, 2004, OSHA and the AOHP formed an Alliance to worked together to protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to patient-handling hazards, bloodborne diseases, and emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities. The Alliance was renewed on August 27, 2006, and April 28, 2008.

Based on discussions regarding the future of the Alliance, OSHA and AOHP agreed to conclude the agreement as of October 25, 2012. A number of successes have resulted from OSHA and AOHP working together to meet the Alliance goals. For example:

• Through the Alliance, AOHP developed the Beyond Getting Started: Respiratory Protection in Healthcare Settings Web Reference Guide. The reference guide provides industry workers resources and Web page links that address respiratory protection in healthcare.
   
• Through the Alliance, AOHP, in conjunction with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health's National Personal Protective Technology Lab, developed the N95 Respiratory Training and Fit Testing Verification Card to provide healthcare workers with a simple way to record fit-testing information, including the make and model of the respirator fit-tested. The resource also provides safety tips for donning and doffing respirators.
   
• Through the OSHA and AOHP Alliance, AOHP developed and revised the Beyond Getting Started: A Resource Guide for Implementing a Safe Patient Handling Program in the Acute Care Setting.  The guide addresses patient handling with the goal of providing the necessary tools for the occupational health professional to implement a safe patient handling program.
   
• Through the Alliance, AOHP also annually supported the North American Occupational Safety and Health Week.

Report prepared by: Morgan Seuberling, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, November 2, 2012.