Region 8 News Release: 10-1714-DEN
Dec. 23, 2010
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302
E-mail: kulczewski.richard@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA forms alliance with
Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, ND
Alliance to focus on safety in wind power industry

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced an alliance with Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, N.D., focusing on safety training for workers in the wind power industry.

OSHA will provide assistance in the development of training related to working safely when exposed to hazards inherent to the wind power industry. Lake Region State College will offer training for students on the commissioning, operation and maintenance of electrical generation equipment and control systems for wind turbine generation systems.

"This is a great opportunity for OSHA and LRSC to work together to heighten the awareness of the hazards associated with the wind power generation industry," said Greg Baxter, OSHA's regional administrator in Denver, Colo.

Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together 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.

Employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA alliances or partnerships may call the agency's Bismarck, N.D., area office at 701-250-4521.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure 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 releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.