OSHA, the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association
and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Close-Out Report
(as of June 7, 2006)

On June 7, 2004, OSHA, the National Wooden Pallet Container Association (NWPCA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) formed an Alliance focusing on providing NWPCA's members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' safety and health. The Alliance addressed reducing and preventing exposure to hazards associated with use of pallet assembly and disassembly equipment, powered industrial trucks, and occupational health issues, including ergonomics.

Because NWPCA's goals changed since the Alliance's signing, OSHA concluded the Alliance as of June 7, 2006. However, OSHA will continue to work with the wooden pallet and container industry through other avenues to develop and share occupational safety and health information.

The following successes resulted from the organizations' working together to meet the Alliance's goals:

• On September 18, 2004, Francis Yebesi, Team Leader, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, USDOL-OSHA, participated in a panel discussion at the NWPCA's 2004 Recycle and Repair Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Yebesi spoke about OSHA's cooperative programs and answered questions from NWPCA's members.

• NWPCA reviewed and provided comments on OSHA's Forklift Safety Quick Card.

• NWPCA and NIOSH representatives served on the editorial board for OSHA's Wood Products Industry Safety and Health Topics page.

Report prepared by: Richard L. Harris, Alliance Coordinator, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, June 7, 2006.