Region 5 News Release:11-577-CHI
May 10, 2011
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976 312-353-4807
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA establishes alliance to protect
Ohio workers in manufacturing, service, construction industries

CLEVELAND – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has entered into an alliance with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation and the Council of Smaller Enterprises to provide the council's member companies with information, guidance and access to training resources to protect the safety and health of workers in the manufacturing, service and construction industries. The OSHA On-site Consultation Program, funded by federal OSHA but run by the state of Ohio, also will participate.

"This alliance reflects a mutual recognition of the importance of workers' safety and health," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "We want to ensure all companies, especially smaller companies with fewer resources, are prepared to effectively control the hazards their employees may encounter. Alliances such as this one help develop effective safety programs, while also opening the lines of communication among OSHA, employers and workers."

The voluntary alliance is focused on identifying and controlling safety hazards, improving safety and health programs, promoting a cooperative relationship between labor and management, and encouraging employee participation in achieving a safe and healthful workplace. It aims to meet these goals through increased training, implementation of best work practices, and compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses 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 programmed inspections. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

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.

###

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.