Region 2 News Release: 13-1209-PHI (osha 13-054)
June 25, 2013
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Fortson
Email: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102

New alliance between Erie Institute of Technology and US Labor
Department's OSHA to promote workplace safety and health

ERIE, Pa. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Erie Institute of Technology formed an alliance to promote workplace safety and health among the school staff, students and local employers in the manufacturing, construction and service sectors that hire institute students. Based in Erie, the Institute provides technical training programs for computer, electronics, manufacturing and technology careers.

Through the alliance, OSHA and the Institute will provide information on OSHA national, regional and local emphasis programs; opportunities to participate in the federal rulemaking process; and occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.

Additionally, both organizations will participate in forums, round-table discussions, and stakeholder meetings on youth safety to help forge solutions in the workplace and provide input on safety and health issues.

"We welcome this opportunity to partner with the Erie Institute of Technology to promote workplace safety and health at the jobs and in the service sectors that the students enter," said Brendan Claybaugh, acting director of OSHA's Erie Area Office. "By joining forces, we will help save lives, prevent injuries and illnesses and raise public awareness about issues critical to protecting workers."

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

More information about this alliance can be obtained from the OSHA Area Office in Erie by calling 814-874-5150.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA¿s role is to ensure these conditions for America¿s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.