Date: March 20, 2014
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA renews alliance with Sealant Waterproofing and Restoration
Institute to address falls, other worker safety issues within industry

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today renewed its alliance with the Sealant Waterproofing and Restoration Institute to provide information and training resources to help protect the safety and health of workers involved in waterproofing, sealant and restoration activities. The alliance will focus on issues related to falls, small business, motor vehicle safety and hazard communication.

"Workers in the sealant, waterproofing and restoration industry experience many of the hazards common to the construction industry, particularly fall hazards," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "By renewing our alliance with SWR Institute, we will continue our outreach to industry employers and workers, and provide information and education important to preventing worker injuries, illnesses and fatalities."

Through the alliance, OSHA and SWR Institute will develop toolbox talks and case studies on key OSHA initiatives such as falls and heat stress. The alliance will continue distributing information on the agency's Falls in Construction and Heat Illness Prevention campaigns. Additionally, the alliance will continue distributing safety and health information and products in English and Spanish to help protect the industry's diverse workforce.

SWR Institute is a non-profit corporation of commercial contractors, manufacturers and consultants involved in designing, manufacturing and applying sealant, waterproofing and restoration products. Between 10,000 and 15,000 workers are employed by the 280 member companies represented by SWR Institute. For more information, visit the Sealant Waterproofing and Restoration Institute Alliance page. The agreement will remain in effect for five years.

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. 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 www.osha.gov.

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