OSHA and the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) provide ReMA members and the public 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). The Alliance will address recycling industry hazards, such as slips, trips, and falls; heat and cold stress; lithium battery and needlestick injuries; and other topics as appropriate, with particular emphasis on outreach to small- and medium-sized employers.

OSHA and ReMA will work together to achieve the following objectives:

Raising Awareness: Outreach and Communication

• Share information on OSHA's National Initiatives (Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, Outreach), and opportunities to participate in initiatives and the rulemaking process.
• Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
• Develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards such as back overs and distracted driving; slips, trips, and falls; needlestick injuries; heat and cold stress; musculoskeletal injuries; and other recycling industry hazards, and communicate such information (e.g., via educational webinars, the EHS Update e-newsletter, ReMA Safety Stand-Down Day materials, the OSHA and ReMA websites, and other mechanisms, as appropriate) to employers and workers in the recycling industry. Ensure information developed reflects the workforce and is available in multiple languages and formats.
• Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA and ReMA conferences, local meetings, or other events such as ReMA's Safety & Environmental Council meetings and the Annual ReMA Convention & Exposition.
• Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on recycling industry hazards to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
• Ensure Alliance activities are informed by the perspectives of non-managerial workers employed in the recycling industry by establishing a worker safety and health advisory committee of non-management level employees that is reflective of the recycling industry's workforce to: share information about workplace rights and responsibilities; gather information about safety and health practices in member facilities; and collect feedback on Alliance activities.
• Encourage recycling industry participation in and support of OSHA events and programs such as the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, and the Safe + Sound Campaign.
• Collaborate with other Alliance participants to address workplace safety and health issues, such as lithium battery hazards in recycling collection and processing.
• Encourage ReMA members and other industry stakeholders to build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices; participate in OSHA's Cooperative Programs, such as the Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program and the Voluntary Protection Program; and utilize OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program to improve health and safety in recycling workplaces.

Training and Education

• Develop effective training and education programs for the recycling industry regarding transportation hazards; slips, trips, and falls; needlestick injuries; heat and cold stress; musculoskeletal injuries; and/or other industry specific hazards and communicate such information to constituent employers and workers. Ensure training materials/programs are made available in appropriate languages and formats to meet the needs of their target audiences.