February 3, 2016
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Partners renew alliance to prevent
worker exposures to electrical, falls, struck-by hazards

WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Crane, Hoist and Monorail Partners today renewed their alliance to improve the safety and health of workers who manufacture and use cranes, hoists and monorails. During the five-year agreement, the alliance will address preventing worker exposures to electrical shock, electrocution, falls from elevation and being struck-by moving equipment.

Through the alliance, participants plan to develop best practice fact sheets and training resources that address electrical hazards, falls and struck-by incidents, and new technology used in the crane, hoist and monorail industry. The alliance will promote cooperative program initiatives including the National Safety Stand-Down and protecting temporary workers. Additionally, the alliance will encourage a culture of safety within the industry including among small businesses and non- and limited English speaking workers.

"Our alliance with CHM has been invaluable in helping to reduce and prevent serious or fatal incidents in the material handling industry," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "We will continue to focus on efforts and resources that implement best industry practices that help keep crane, hoist, and monorail operators safe and healthy."

CHM Partners consist of Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Hoist Manufacturers Institute and Monorail Manufacturers Association. These organizations are members of the Material Handling Institute, which was established in 1945 and is the nation's largest material handling, logistics and supply chain association. The Institute serves 800 member companies, their customers and the industry.

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 to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.

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 www.osha.gov.

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