Occupational Safety and Health Administration
and the
Graphics Arts Coalition

I. Alliance Background

Date Signed

June 18, 2002, and July 1, 2002

Date Renewed

February 9, 2004

Overview

The Graphic Arts Coalition (GAC), formerly called the Printing Industry Alliance, is comprised of the four following associations:

• Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF)
• Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA)
• Flexographic Technical Association (FTA)
• Gravure Association of America (GAA)

The GAA joined the Alliance when it was renewed on February 9, 2004. The Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA), an original Alliance signatory, did not participate in the renewal because the Alliance's issues are not a current focus for the organization.

Through the Alliance, OSHA and the organizations are providing GAC members and others with information, guidance and access to training resources to help them protect employees' health and safety, including reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic concerns found in printing operations as well as promoting safe work practices in the industry.

Implementation Team Members:
 

*Paul Murphy served on the Alliance implementation team until April 2005.
†Rhett Thomas served on the Alliance implementation team until November 2004.

Evaluation Period

June 18, 2004, through June 17, 2005

II. Implementation Team Meetings
 

III. Results

1. Events and Products
   
   Outreach and Communication Goal
    
   • Develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media, and through links on OSHA's and GAC Web sites, including:
      
     • Work with OSHA to provide expertise regarding the Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page.
     • Work with OSHA to provide expertise on the development of an eTool for the printing industry.
     • Developing and maintaining a speaker's kit on topics covered in this Alliance as well as the overall safety and health profile of the industry.
   Products
   
   Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics Page
   
   The OSHA and GAC Alliance are continuing to maintain OSHA's Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics Page as a product of the Alliance. The page provides numerous resources with information relevant to the flexography, gravure, lithography and screen printing segments of the printing industry. The following members of the OSHA-GAC Alliance serve on the editorial board of the Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page and provide ongoing review of the topics page:
    
   • Rick Hartwig, PIA/GATF
   • Gary Jones, PIA/GATF
   • Marcia Kinter, SGIA
   • Doreen Monteleone, FTA
   • Danielle Waterfield, SGIA
   Ergonomics eTool for the Printing Industry
   
   The Alliance implementation team members are providing input into the development of a draft OSHA Printing Industry Ergonomics eTool. The draft tool consists of three modules: flexography, lithography and screen printing. The draft lithography module is being developed using the contents from the PIA/GATF Ergonomics Training Program developed for the printing industry by members of the Alliance implementation team. The eTool module describes possible hazards and potential solutions for a number of lithographic processes. SGIA provided content for the draft Screen Printing Module of the draft eTool from SGIA's Ergonomics Training Program, which also was developed by Alliance implementation team members. Further, FTA provided content for the draft Flexography module of the eTool.
   
   OSHA and GAC Alliance Web page
   
   OSHA maintains an OSHA and GAC Alliance Web page on the Agency's Web site. The Web page includes links to the OSHA and GAC Alliance agreement and renewal agreement, news releases, annual reports, and milestones and successes. The OSHA and GAC Alliance Web page also links to OSHA's Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page, industry conferences, articles and other resources. During the reporting period, information about speeches and exhibits were added to the Alliance Web page. For information on the number of visits to the OSHA and GAC Alliance Webpage, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.
   
   Print and Electronic Media
   
   An article on the OSHA and GAC Alliance appeared in the March 28, 2005, edition of Printing News Online. For more information on the article, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.
   
   In addition, FTA sends out a monthly electronic newsletter that includes current health and safety information, often linking to OSHA's Web site. The newsletter reaches more than 1,600 members. (See Appendix A.)
    
   • Speak, exhibit or appear at OSHA or GAC-sponsored conferences, local meetings, or other safety or industry events, such as the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association Convention and Expo, the 2004 National Environmental Health and Safety Conference for the Graphic Communications Industry, Foundation of FTA INFO*FLEX Exhibition, and the GAA Gravure Expo, especially focusing on ergonomics concerns and approaches to solutions.
   Events
   
   2004 National Safety Council Congress and Expo, September 10-14, 2004, New Orleans, Louisiana
   
   On September 13, 2004, Jim Washam, Machine Guarding Coordinator in OSHA's Region V Cincinnati, OH Area Office gave a presentation to 30 attendees, entitled "Stop the Presses, LO/TO in the Printing Industry" at the 2004 National Safety Council Congress and Exposition.
   
   SGIA ‘04: The Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, October 6-9, 2004, Minneapolis, Minnesota
   
   The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) distributed OSHA publications, including an OSHA and GAC Alliance Fact Sheet, at an exhibit booth the Department staffed at the Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show. Approximately 11,250 people were in attendance at the show. USDOL exhibited at the show because SGIA is a participant in the Department's Partnership for Compliance Assistance Program.
   
   2005 National Environmental Health and Safety Conference, March 6-8, 2005, Tampa, Florida
   
   On March 8, 2005, Paula White, Director of the Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA – On the Radar Screen and Working For You" to approximately 120 attendees at the National Environmental, Health and Safety Conference.
   
   In addition, Joan Spencer, Compliance Assistance Specialist, Tampa Florida Area Office, USDOL-OSHA, staffed an OSHA and GAC Alliance booth at the National Environmental, Health and Safety Conference, which was held March 6-8, 2005, in Tampa, Florida. Approximately 50 people visited the booth.
    
   • Share information between OSHA personnel and the printing industry regarding industry best practices or effective approaches, as jointly determined by OSHA and GAC members.
     
     During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.
      
   • Promote and encourage GAC member companies to participate in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), and Consultation and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
   Products
   
   SGIA's Article on OSHA's Cooperative Programs
   
   Through the OSHA and GAC Alliance, SGIA published the article "Hidden Secret to Improving Profitability" in February 2005 as a featured item on SGIA's Web site (http://www.sgia.org) in the Digital Printing & Imaging Technology Center feature article section and as a running feature article on the SGIA Government Affairs Web site (http://www.sgia.org/govt). The article highlights the benefits of OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs and the On-site Consultation Program and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
   
   In addition, PIA/GATF published an article on OSHA's Consultation Program, "Consultation Helps Small Business Establish Safety and Health Programs," on its Web site (http://www.gain.net/gov_affairs/esh/main.html) in March 2005.
    
   • Work with other Alliance participants on projects relating to ergonomics or safe work practices that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
   Events
   
   Alliance Program Hazard Communication Roundtable
   
   Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA, and Jim Kyger, Director, Federal Employment Compliance Assistance, PIA/GATF, represented the OSHA and GAC Alliance at the Alliance Program Hazard Communication Roundtable on February 15, 2005. Representatives from 18 Alliances participated in the Roundtable and identified outreach and compliance assistance projects they would be interested in working on together. As a result of the meeting, the attendees agreed to work together to address several issues:
    
   • Hazard Communication Awareness and Training
   • Developing Model MSDSs
   • Promoting the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
   Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health
    
   • Convene a forum with printing equipment manufacturers and end-users to raise awareness about ergonomic concerns related to the interaction between humans and machinery.
     
     During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.
      
   • Raise others' awareness of, and demonstrate their own commitment to, workplace safety and health whenever GAC leaders address groups.
   Events
   
   SGIA ‘04: The Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, October 6-9, 2004, Minneapolis, Minnesota
   
   On October 8, 2004, Marci Kinter, Vice President, Government Affairs, SGIA, and Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA, made a presentation entitled, "Safety First: Developing Your Safety Program," to workshop attendees at the Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, October 6-9, 2004, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
   
   2005 National Environmental Health and Safety Conference, March 6-8, 2005, Tampa, Florida
   
   On March 7, 2005, Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA, presented "Developing the Printing Industry's Ergonomics Guidelines" to approximately 30 breakout session attendees at the National Environmental, Health and Safety Conference, which was March 6-8, 2005, in Tampa, Florida.
   
   CMM International, April 18-21, 2005, Chicago, IL
   
   On April 19, 2005, Doreen Monteleone, director of membership & environmental services, FTA, gave a presentation entitled "EHS the eWay" at CMM International. This presentation included information about the OSHA Alliance, Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics Page and the Ergonomics eTools. Approximately 20 people attended from different print processes.
   
   Ergonomics Updates
   
   During the reporting period of June 18, 2004, to June 17, 2005, Gary Jones, Manager, Environmental, Health and Safety Affairs, PIA/GATF, gave the presentation on ergonomics entitled, "Ergonomics Regulation Update and Printing Industry Response" to a number of groups. (See Appendix B.)
    
2. Executive Summary
   
   During the Alliance's past year, the OSHA and GAC Alliance implementation team worked on many projects to provide GAC members and others with information, guidance and access to training resources to help protect employees' health and safety, including reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic concerns found in printing operations as well as promoting safe work practices in the industry.
   
   GAC members continued to serve on OSHA's Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page's editorial board, providing expert input on an ongoing basis to OSHA to help maintain the page. In addition, the Alliance implementation team provided expertise and information during the development of OSHA's draft Printing Industry Ergonomics eTool – Lithography Module, which identifies potential hazards and solutions for various lithographic processes. The team also began the development of two additional modules for the eTool on Flexography and Screen Printing.
   
   In addition, Danielle Waterfield and Jim Kyger represented the OSHA and GAC Alliance at the Alliance Program Hazard Communication Roundtable on February 15, 2005. Ms. Waterfield and Mr. Kyger helped to identify outreach and compliance assistance projects the Alliance Program participants could work on together, including the development of training and outreach materials for small businesses.
   
   OSHA's also took advantage of many speaking and exhibiting opportunities to reach the printing industry. Jim Washam, Machine Guarding Coordinator in OSHA's Region V Cincinnati, Ohio, Area Office gave a presentation, entitled "Stop the Presses, LO/TO in the Printing Industry" at the 2004 NSC Congress and Expo, which was held September 10-14, 2004, in New Orleans, Louisiana. OSHA provided publications, including an OSHA and GAC Alliance Fact Sheet, for distribution at a booth staffed by USDOL at the SGIA ‘O4: The Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, which was held October 6-9, 2004, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Paula White, Director of the Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, made a presentation entitled, "OSHA – On the Radar Screen and Working for You" to approximately 120 attendees at the 2005 NEHS Conference, which was held in Tampa, Florida, March 6-8, 2005. In addition, Joan Spencer, Compliance Assistance Specialist, Tampa, Florida Area Office, USDOL-OSHA, staffed an OSHA and GAC Alliance exhibit booth at the 2005 NEHS conference.
   
   Representatives from the GAC also spoke on numerous occasions about ergonomics in the printing industry. On October 8, 2004, Marci Kinter, Vice President, Government Affairs, and Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, with the SGIA made a presentation entitled, "Safety First: Developing Your Safety Program," to workshop attendees at SGIA '04: the Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Similarly, on March 7, 2005, Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA, presented "Developing the Printing Industry's Ergonomics Guidelines" to approximately 30 breakout session attendees at the National Environmental, Health and Safety Conference, which was in Tampa, Florida. Additionally, Gary Jones, manager for Environmental, Health and Safety Affairs at the PIA/GATF spoke to a number of groups about ergonomics in the printing industry.
    
3. Alliance Program Reach

IV. Upcoming Milestones

The OSHA and GAC Alliance implementation team will undertake a number of activities in the upcoming year. The GAC will continue provide input and expertise to develop OSHA's Ergonomics eTool for the Printing Industry. The Alliance implementation team members will focus on finalizing the Lithography Module of the eTool. After the draft module is complete, OSHA will begin its clearance process. In addition, they are also providing information for the development of the tool's Flexography and Screen Printing Modules. The implementation team will also continue to review and update, as necessary, OSHA's Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page.

The Alliance implementation team has also identified a number of opportunities to reach out to the printing industry's employers and employees regarding workplace safety and health through speeches, publications or their associations' Web sites. Gary Jones will discuss the products and activities of the OSHA and GAC Alliance as member of a panel on the "Successes of Ergonomics Programs" at the 2005 National Safety Council Congress and Expo September 17-23, 2005, in Orlando, Florida. This panel will also feature an OSHA representative and other Alliance Program participants. In addition, the GAC Alliance implementation team members will explore the development of Web pages about the OSHA and GAC Alliance on their respective associations' Web sites. The team members will also identify opportunities to publish articles developed by OSHA about its Consultation Program and Hispanic outreach resources in their associations' newsletters and magazines.

In addition, members of the GAC will participate in the Alliance Program Hazard Communication follow-up workgroup meetings and the Alliance Program Small Business Roundtables, which OSHA anticipates hosting in the summer of 2005. The roundtable and workgroup attendees will learn about other Alliance Program participants' activities and products and identify potential projects that they can work on with other Alliance Program participants.

The OSHA and GAC Alliance will consider opportunities to promote and educate others on safety and health issues associated with the printing industry, such as GAC members' annual meetings and trade shows, including the 2006 National Environmental Health and Safety Conference in scheduled for March 27-29, 2006, in Indianapolis, Indiana.


Report prepared by: Elizabeth Sherfy, Alliance Coordinator, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, October 21, 2005
 

ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Alliance
June 12, 2006

I. Alliance Background

Date Signed

June 14, 2004

Evaluation Period

June 14, 2005 – June 13, 2006

Overview

The OSHA and NFIB Alliance recognizes the value of the establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer, drug-free and more healthful American workplaces and protecting employees' health and safety. The Alliance is working to make health and safety information and compliance assistance resources available to all employers, especially small and independent businesses, and communicating the need for the implementation of safety and health management system programs in the workplace.

Implementation Team Members
 

* Shawn Combs was an implementation team member from June 2004 to December 2005

II. Implementation Team Meetings
 

III. Results

1. Events and Products
   
   Outreach and Communication Goals
    
   • Develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media, including electronic assistance tools, publications, safety newsletters and links from OSHA's and NFIB's Web sites.
   Products
   
   OSHA and NFIB Alliance Web Page
   
   OSHA continues to update the OSHA and NFIB Alliance Web page on the Agency's Web site. The page includes links to the Alliance agreement and related documents, activities and events, OSHA's Consultation Program and small business resources. In addition, there are links to stories developed by OSHA and posted on NFIB's Tools and Tips Web page and on NFIB's Member Benefits S.A.V.I. Web page. For more information on the number of visits to the OSHA and NFIB Alliance Web page, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.
   
   NFIB and OSHA Alliance Web Page on the NFIB Web Site
   
   NFIB continues to update the NFIB and OSHA Alliance Web page on the NFIB's Web site. For example, in the fall of 2005, the NFIB added a link to OSHA's hurricane recovery information on the agency's website. In addition, the NFIB/OSHA Alliance Web page on NFIB's Web site includes information on the goals and objectives of the Alliance. The Web page includes links to additional safety and health resources such as:
    
   • OSHA Small-Business Success Stories
   • OSHA's Compliance Assistance Quick Start Web Page
   • OSHA's On Site Consultation Web page
   • OSHA's Compliance Assistance: Hispanic Employers and Workers Web page
   • NFIB/Ohio Safety Seminars
   NFIB's Tools and Tips Web Site
   
   The NFIB has developed an extensive resource library for the small businesses on their Tools and Tips Web site. Posted on NFIB's Tools and Tips Web site are a number of OSHA developed-articles including:
    
   • "Consultation Helps Small Businesses Establish Safety and Health Programs" by Earl Hicks, OOSA
   • "Youth Employment: Expanded Protections for Youth Working in Cooking, Roofing and Driving" by Ernest J. Weiss, III, ESA
   • "Helping Small Business Benefit from Being Drug-Free" by Elena Carr, ASP
   • "OSHA's Standard Interpretation Letters", by Barney Lawrence, OOSA
   The articles developed by OSHA and posted on NFIB's Tools and Tips Web site contains additional links to other OSHA safety and health resources. Such as:
    
   • • Finding Help for Small Business Owners on the Department of Labor's Web Site, Part II
     • Drug-Free Workplace Program Builder
     • OSHA Programs Can Aid Small Business Workplace Safety
     • OSHA's Workplace Substance Abuse Topic Page
     • Working Partners for an Alcoholic- and Drug-Free Workplace
   • Speak exhibit, or appear at OSHA and NFIB conferences, seminars or other events that address small business issues such as the NFIB Congressional Small Business Summit.
   Print and Electronic Media
   
   Articles on the OSHA and NFIB Alliance have appeared in a number of print and online publications, including: the Alliance Quarterly Review and in Huggins & Associates, Inc. – News. For a complete listing of media coverage, see the Alliance Program Reach section of this report.
   
   Events
   
   NFIB/Ohio Safety Seminars
   
   Shawn Combs, then Assistant State Director, NFIB, and OSHA staff from Region V including Compliance Assistance Specialists (CASs), Chris Matthewson, Laura Ulczyinski, and Julie Weis, and Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) Scott Feil, Dale Henderson, Jorge Munoz, Aaron Priddy, Kip Reiher, and Matt Taylor made presentations during the NFIB/Ohio Safety Seminars. The presentations included information on machine guarding, electrical safety, hazards communication, fall protection, and trenching and excavation. The seminars were held:
    
   • October 25, 2005, Cincinnati
   • October 26, 2005, Columbus
   • October 27, 2005, Toledo
   • October 28, 2005, Cleveland
   NFIB Area Action Council (AAC) Workers' Compensation Meetings
   
   Through the Alliance, a number of OSHA's Regional Area Office and Onsite Consultation Program staff participated in the NFIB's AAC Workers' Compensation meetings in Texas and Montana. OSHA staff participated in twenty-one meetings that that reached over 750 small business owners. During the meetings, OSHA staff provided information on OSHA's compliance assistance and Hispanic outreach activities and the Onsite Consultation Program. The meetings were held:
   
   Texas
    
   • • July 19, 2005, Amarillo
     • July 20, 2005, Lubbock
     • July 21, 2005, Midland
     • July 22, 2005, El Paso
     • October 18, 2005, Ft. Worth
     • October 19, 2005, Dallas
     • October 20, 2005, Houston
     • February 28, 2006, Corpus Christi
     • March 1, 2006, McAllen
     • March 2, 2006, Harlingen
     • March 7, 2006, Waco
     • March 8, 2006, Austin
     • March 9, 2006, San Antonio
     • April 5, 2006, Bryan College Station
   Montana
    
   • • November 7, 2005, Helena
     • November 8, 2005, Billings
     • November 9, 2005, Bozeman
     • November 10, 2005, Missoula
     • November 11, 2005, Kalispell
     • April 25, 2006, Great Falls
     • April 26, 2006, Havre
     • April 27, 2006, Glasgow
     • April 28, 2006, Miles City
   • Develop and promote accessible and easy-to-use tools to encourage and help small business owners create and implement effective safety and health management programs in the workplace.
     
     The OSHA and NFIB Alliance Implementation Team has not started work on programs or projects to address this goal.
      
   • Promote and encourage NFIB members' use of and participation in OSHA's outreach services and cooperative programs, including compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, Consultation and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
   Events
   
   OSHA Region IV Hispanic Family Safety and Health Fairs
   
   Through the Alliance, the NFIB agreed to promote OSHA's Region IV Hispanic Family Safety and Health Fairs sponsored by its Consultation Programs in Alabama and Florida. The Fairs addressed the safety and health training needs of Spanish speaking employees particularly in the areas of construction and landscaping. The NFIB identified its members near in the Fairs' locations and sent letters and informational flyers in both English and Spanish to them. The Fairs were held on:
    
   • August 6, 2005, Pelham Civic Center, Pelham, Alabama
   • August 20, 2005, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Florida
   OSHA Region II Hispanic Family Safety and Health Fair
   
   Through the Alliance, the NFIB asked its local chapter in New York to promote OSHA's Region II Hispanic Family Safety and Health Fair. The event, sponsored by OSHA the Consultation Program in New York and other local organizations will offer Spanish-language construction safety and health workshops and health screenings. The NFIB's local chapter identified its members near the Fair's location and sent letters and informational flyers in both English and Spanish to them. The Fair will be held on June 25, 2006, Coca-Cola Fair Grounds, Rochester, New York.
    
   • Encourage NFIB state offices to build relationships and establish links with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices where feasible, and promote the availability of OSHA's Compliance Assistant Specialists and Consultation Projects to address issues that impact small businesses.
   OSHA Columbus, Ohio Area Office Alliance with NFIB/Ohio State Chapter
   
   On September 22, 2005 OSHA's Region V, Columbus, Ohio Area Office signed an Alliance with the NFIB/Ohio State Chapter. The OSHA Columbus, Ohio Area Office and NFIB/Ohio State Chapter Alliance is working on a number of projects including developing an "Ask OSHA Column" for the NFIB/Ohio State Chapter's newsletter, and working with the NFIB's AAC in Ohio to develop a safety and health program to present during the Council's meetings.
    
   • Work with other Alliance participants on safety and health issues and projects that impact small and independent businesses, especially safety and health management programs, which are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
   Products
   
   "Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards: A Workshop for Non-Chemists"
   
   NFIB sponsored "Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards: A Workshop for Non-Chemists" and promoted the Workshop to their members in Georgia and Texas. The OSHA and Chemical Reactivity Hazards Management Alliance developed the Workshop for presentation throughout the chemical industry. It is designed to help smaller businesses identify the reactive chemical hazards that may be present in their operations. The Workshop was presented in conjunction with the Chlorine Institute's 2005 Fall National Meeting September 26, 2005 in Atlanta, Georgia. It was also held January 13, 2006 in Houston, Texas in conjunction with the Center for Chemical Process Safety's (CCPS) Technical Steering Committee Meeting.
   
   North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week 2006, April 30-May 6, 2006
   
   NFIB supported and promoted NAOSH Week 2006, which was held April 30-May 6, 2006. NAOSH Week is sponsored by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), an Alliance Program participant, and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers (CSSE). The NFIB promoted the Week to its members in the NFIB's S.A.V.I. eNewsletter and in the April/May edition of NFIB's MyBUSINESS magazine, with articles that featured not only the week but tools like the OSHA Hazard Awareness Advisor, that members could take advantage of to create a safer workplace. In addition, Andrew Langer, from NFIB's Washington, DC office, attended the NAOSH Week Kick-off May 1, 2006 in the Department of Labor (DOL) auditorium.
    
   • Assist in the testing and development of safety and health resources for small businesses.
     
     The OSHA and NFIB Alliance Implementation Team has not started work on programs or projects to address this goal.
   Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals
    
   • Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on independent businesses' safety and health issues including safety and health management programs, to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.
   Events
   
   Alliance Program's Promoting the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) Workgroup Meeting, Washington, DC, August 1, 2005
   
   Through the Alliance Program, OSHA held the Promoting the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) Workgroup meeting August 1, 2005 in Washington, DC. This meeting was a follow-up event to the Alliance Program's Hazard Communication Roundtable held February 15, 2005. The Workgroup, with representatives from 12 Alliance Program participants, identified potential compliance assistance products and resources to support OSHA's plans to adopt the GHS as part of its Hazard Communication Standard. Jeff Koch and Susan FitzHenry participated in the meeting on behalf of the OSHA and NFIB Alliance.
   
   OSHA Small Business Roundtable
   
   On September 8, 2005, Jeff Koch and Susan FitzHenry, along with representatives from 16 other Alliances met to provide feedback and input on the compliance assistance components of OSHA's Small Business Initiative (SBI). The Roundtable attendees participated in four breakout groups to discuss OSHA's Consultation Program, small business issues related to safety and health training, and OSHA's printed materials and Web-based tools. During the Roundtable, the attendees provided OSHA with a number of recommendations to enhance its small business compliance assistance activities and resources.
    
2. Executive Summary
   
   OSHA and the NFIB have worked together through the Alliance Program during the past year to further enhance compliance assistance materials and information that is available for small businesses. In addition, the Alliance is continuing to share information on drug-free workplaces.
   
   Through the OSHA and NFIB Alliance Web page on the OSHA Web site, small business owners and individuals have access to links to many resources, including OSHA's Onsite Consultation Program, and other small business resources. The page also includes links to OSHA developed stories that are posted on the NFIB's Tools and Tips Web page.
   
   On the NFIB's Tools and Tips Web page the NFIB has posted four OSHA developed articles which contain links to additional safety and health related resources. OSHA provided additional links to its resources, including information on drug testing, and Hispanic outreach and assistance tools for NFIB to post on its Tools and Tips Web page.
   
   OSHA and NFIB have also participated together at a number of events such as the NFIB's AAC Workers' Compensation Seminars in Texas and Montana. During the evaluation period, OSHA staff participated in 21 seminars that reached over 750 attendees and provided them with information on safety and health resources available from OSHA including the On-Site Consultation Program. In addition, OSHA staff participated in 4 NFIB/Ohio Safety Seminars that provided safety and health information on machine guarding, electrical safety, hazard communication, fall protection, and trenching and excavation. The NFIB also helped promote OSHA's Region IV Family Safety and Health Fairs in Florida and Alabama.
   
   Other projects implemented to meet the Alliance agreements' goals include:
    
   • Jeff Koch and Susan FitzHenry participated in the Alliance Program's Hazard Communication Roundtable Promoting the GHS Workgroup meeting, in Washington, DC, August 1, 2005.
      
   • The NFIB was a NAOSH Week 2006 sponsor and promoted the week to its members in the NFIB's S.A.V.I. eNewsletter and in the April/May edition of NFIB's MyBUSINESS magazine. Andrew Langer from NFIB's Washington, DC office participated in the NAOSH Week Kick-off on May 1, 2006.
      
   • NFIB/Ohio State Chapter signed an Alliance with OSHA's Region V Columbus, Ohio Area Office on September 22, 2005.
   Based on the successes realized during the Alliance's first two year agreement, OSHA and NFIB agreed to renew the Alliance.
    
3. Alliance Program Reach

IV. Upcoming Milestones

The OSHA and NFIB Alliance renewal agreement has been approved by Office of the Solicitor and a signing date is being arranged. Through the Alliance renewal agreement, OSHA and the NFIB will continue to build its working relationship and expand upon the programs already begun through the Alliance. For example, NFIB will is continue to address Hispanic safety and health outreach in the upcoming year. The association also plans to continue informing its members about the benefits of the Alliance Program and the resources that are available to the small business community during AAC Workers' Compensation meetings that may be scheduled throughout the year in a number of locations including Arizona, Maryland, Montana, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
 
New NFIB members were added to the implementation team including George Yogurtian and Chad Wilson. In addition, two implementation team members, Jim Wirth and George Yogurtian are participating with other Alliance Program participants to provide expertise during the agency's development of the draft Business Case Safety and Health Topics page.

OSHA and NFIB will have an Alliance exhibit booth at the 2006 NFIB National Small Business Summit, which will take place June 18-21, 2006 in Washington, DC. In addition to OOSA staff at the booth, staff from DOL's Working Partners Program will be providing information on drug-free workplace programs available from the department.
NFIB will continue to sponsor and help promote the "Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards: A Workshop for Non-Chemists," to their members in 2006 should the Workshop be offered.


Report prepared by: Bill Willson, Alliance Co-Coordinator, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, July 25, 2006.

ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
Occupational Safety and Health Administration and
Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. (IEC)
August 30, 2008

1. Alliance Background

   Date Signed

   August 30, 2002

   Dates Renewed

   April 5, 2004

   October 30, 2006

   Evaluation Period

   August 30, 2007 – August 29, 2008

   Overview

   The OSHA and IEC Alliance addresses reducing and preventing electrical contractors employees' exposure to falls, rear-end auto collisions and material-handling hazards by providing IEC membership and others with information and guidance and increasing their access to training resources.

   Implementation Team Members

   OSHA:

   Michael Buchet

   Directorate of Construction (DOC), Office of Construction Services (OCS)

   Rob Swick

   Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs (DCSP), Office of Outreach services and Alliances (OOSA)

   Joe Hajdusiewicz

   DOC-OCS

   Danezza Quintero

   DOC-OCS

   IEC:

   Tom Alexander

   Safety Committee

   Bruce Bowman

   Safety Committee Chairman

   Kent Davis

   Safety Committee

   Harvey Hammock

   Safety Committee

   Robert Leohart

   Safety Committee

   Rob Heineman

   Safety Committee

   Harry Lieben

   Safety Committee

   John Masarick

   Director, Codes, Standards and Safety

   Marc Ramirez

   Safety Committee

   Brian Roberts

   Safety Committee

   Dennis Thomas

   Safety Committee

2. Implementation Team Meetings

   November 7, 2007 Implementation Team Meeting
   September 12, 2007 Fall Protection Workgroup
   January 30, 2008 Alliance Program Construction Roundtable Meeting
   April 7, 2008 Resources Development Workgroup Meeting
   April 9, 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign Planning Meeting
   April 18, 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign Planning Meeting
   April 22, 2008 Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups Joint Meeting
   July 2, 2008 Implementation Team Meeting

3. Results
   1. Events and Products

      Outreach and Communication

      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g. print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and IEC's Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.

      Products

      OSHA and IEC Alliance Web page

      OSHA is continuing to update the OSHA and IEC Alliance Web page that is posted on the OSHA Web site. The page includes the OSHA and IEC Alliance agreement, renewal agreements, annual reports, news releases, information on activities and events, and links to resources developed by IEC through the Alliance Program.

      IEC Safety-related Links Page

      IEC continues to update the Safety-related links page on its Web site. It provides information about the OSHA and IEC Alliance and links to the OSHA Web site, including the Ergonomics eTool: Solutions for Electrical Contractors, Spanish Compliance Assistance Resources Web page, and Compliance Assistance Quick Start: Construction. In addition, the Safety-related links page features links to resources developed by IEC through the Alliance Program and the Fall Protection Safety Tips Sheets for Employers and Employees, which was developed through the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Fall Protection Workgroup on which IEC representatives participate.

      OSHA Electrical Contractors Industry Safety and Health Topics Page

      The following IEC representatives are continuing to participate on the OSHA Electrical Contractors Industry Safety and Health Topics page's editorial board:

      • William Bruce Bowman, PE, Fox Systems, Inc., Calhoun, Georgia
      • John Masarick, Director of Codes, Standards and Safety, IEC, Alexandria, Virginia
       

      OSHA Electrical Safety and Health Topics Page

      The following IEC representatives are continuing to participate on the OSHA Electrical Safety and Health Topics page's editorial board:

      • William Bruce Bowman, PE, Fox Systems, Inc., Calhoun, Georgia
      • John Masarick, Director of Codes, Standards and Safety, IEC, Alexandria, Virginia
       

      OSHA Ergonomics eTool: Solutions for Electrical Contractors

      The following OSHA representatives are continuing to participate on the OSHA Ergonomics eTool: Solutions for Electrical Contractors' editorial board:

      • Dominic Caminiti, Hatfield-Reynolds, Phoenix, AZ
      • Todd Hohn, CNA Insurance, Chicago, IL
      • Bob Leonhart, RISC Incorporated, Dallas, TX
      • Renee McDonough, IEC - Utah Chapter, Sandy, UT
      • Brian Roberts, CNA Insurance, Dallas, TX
      • Brad Stevens, Arco Electric, Sandy, UT
       

      Print and Electronic Media

      Articles on the OSHA and IEC Alliance have appeared in IEC publications such as IEC Connection, IEC Codes and Safety Newsletter, and Insight magazine. For example the last twelve issues of the Codes and Safety Newsletter each included a full page with dedicated news about OSHA. Specific articles included "Free OSHA Publications" and "A 'Challenge' for Construction." (See Appendix A for a list of the many OSHA and safety articles appearing in IEC publications.) In addition, articles about the OSHA and IEC Alliance have appeared in numerous publications including QuickTakes and Occupational Health and Safety Magazine. For more information about these articles, see the "Alliance Program Reach" table.

      • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA or IEC conferences, local meetings and other events such as IEC's National Convention and Electric Expo.

      IEC 50th National Convention and Electric Expo, October 24-27, 2007, Houston, Texas

      James Shelton, Compliance Assistance Specialist, Region VI, Houston North, Texas Area Office, USDOL-OSHA, staffed the IEC Safety Zone Exhibit at the 50th Annual IEC National Convention and Electric Expo, October 25, 2007 in Houston, Texas. In addition, Danezza Quintero, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction (DOC), USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA for Construction" to 600 attendees.

      During the Expo, four OSHA Region VI representatives attended the Basic Safety Training Classes on topics such as fall protection and arc flash.

      IEC, Safety Committee Meeting, April 7, 2008, Washington, DC

      Rob Swick, Program Analyst, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "Alliance Program Update" to electrical industry safety and health professionals at the IEC Safety Committee Meeting in Washington, DC.

      • Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by IEC and through OSHA- or IEC-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).

      Energized Electrical Work Safety Program for Residential Sites

      Through the OSHA and IEC Alliance, IEC developed a draft Energized Electrical Work Safety Program for Residential Sites which addresses issues associated with energized electrical work ("hot work") such as testing, hazard control and engineering controls. IEC shared the draft safety program with OSHA for review and comment. The safety program is expected to be completed in early 2009.

      29 CFR 1910 Subpart S Fact Sheet

      Through the OSHA and IEC Alliance, IEC developed a 29 CFR 1910 Electrical Standard Subpart S Fact Sheet. The fact sheet is designed to provide the electrical industry with information about the updates OSHA made to 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S-Electrical Standard. The Fact Sheet was finalized and posted on IEC's Safety-related links Web page and linked to from the OSHA and IEC Alliance Web page and the Alliance Program Participants Developed Products page on the OSHA Web site in September 2007.

      Arc Flash Safety Presentation

      IEC continued to deliver the Arc Flash Safety presentation that was developed through the OSHA and IEC Alliance regarding the updates made to 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S-Electrical Standard. The presentation focuses on topics such as hot work and arc flash. During the reporting period, the presentation was delivered to more than 3,000 people through a number of training sessions at IEC member and non-member companies. In addition, the presentation is posted on IEC's Safety-related links Web page and linked to from the OSHA and IEC Alliance Web page and the Alliance Program Participants Developed Products page on the OSHA Web site

      • Promote and encourage IEC members' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, and On-site Consultation and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

      OSHA Challenge Program Administrator

      John Masarick, IEC, continues to participate as a Challenge Program Administrator. He drafted an article for the Alliance Quarterly Review describing his experiences as a Challenge Program Administrator and highlighting the benefits IEC members reap from participating in OSHA Challenge. Five IEC members continue to participate in the OSHA Challenge Program.

      OSHA Challenge Webinar for Alliance Program Participants, April 10, 2008

      On April 10, 2008, Matthew Buvens, Davis Electrical, Denis Baker, Integrated Electrical Services (IES), and Kent Davis, IEC, joined with other Alliance Program participants and attended the Office of Partnership and Recognition's OSHA Challenge Webinar. The Webinar provided information regarding OSHA Challenge, including an overview the resources available to Challenge Program participants, examples of participant successes, and how to become an OSHA Challenge participant. In addition, Webinar attendees were provided the Webinar's slides and the OSHA Challenge Participant Tracking Status (OCPTS) spreadsheet for General Industry and the OCPTS for the Construction Industry. The OCPTS spreadsheet is a tool that is used by Challenge Administrators to monitor the progress of the Program participants' development of a safety and health management system.

      Informational Packets

      IEC created a packet of information about OSHA cooperative programs and compliance assistance resources, including the OSHA and IEC Alliance Activities Summary and the Small Business Handbook. IEC distributed the packets to both potential and new IEC members.

      • Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects regarding falls, rear-end auto collisions, and material-handling hazards that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.

        OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable and Joint Meeting of the Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups

        On January 30, 2008, John Masarick joined representatives from 13 construction-related Alliances and participated in the second Alliance Program Construction Roundtable at Department of Labor in Washington, DC. During the Roundtable, the organizations:

        • Shared information regarding their Alliance-related activities.
        • Received updates on OSHA's construction-related activities.
        • Identified potential Fall Protection and Design for Safety (DFS) and Workgroup projects to help address safety and health in the construction industry.
        • In addition, Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., Assistant Secretary, USDOL-OSHA, thanked the Alliance Program participants for their commitment to develop construction-related safety and health outreach products and provided information on the Agency's 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign. Steven F. Witt, then-Director, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA, provided an update on the issues that the Directorate is addressing, including proposed rules focusing on cranes and derricks and confined spaces.
         

        As an outcome of the Construction Roundtable, the DFS and Fall Protection Workgroups met on April 22, 2008 to discuss common construction-related interests and project ideas developed during the Roundtable meeting, such as conducting a national public awareness campaign focusing on construction safety. In addition, Workgroup members formed the Fall Fatalities and Injuries Presentation Subgroup to develop a presentation entitled "Prevention of Fall Fatalities and Injuries in Construction." The presentation, due to be completed by October 1, 2008, focuses on the top causes of falls in the construction industry and provides fall prevention guidance for design engineers, contractors, and workers.

        Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign: Build a Safe Work Foundation

        IEC, along with Alliance Program participants SkillsUSA and the National Association of Homebuilders, joined the United States Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao, and Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. at the Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign national kick-off event for the OSHA 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign on April 21, 2008 at the Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan, New York. Sponsored by OSHA, the Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign is a multi-year project to increase awareness about workplace hazards and provide information about the hazards to young workers and their parents. The focus of the 2008 Campaign was residential building construction.

        2008 North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, May 4-10, 2008, Washington, DC.

        IEC joined with more than 50 other Alliance Program participants to support 2008 NAOSH Week. NAOSH Week, sponsored by ASSE, an Alliance Program participant, focuses on increasing the understanding of the positive benefits of investing in occupational safety, health and environmental programs among employers, employees and the public; raising awareness of the role and contribution of safety, health and environmental professionals; and reducing workplace injuries and illness by encouraging new safety and health activities at all companies and organizations. The theme for the 2008 NAOSH Week was "Safety is Good Business." In support of NAOSH Week, IEC printed articles about NIOSH Week in IEC Connection, IEC Insights, IEC Codes and Safety Newsletter. In addition, IEC sent e-mail messages to its chapter executives and distributed NAOSH Week posters to the chapters.

      
      

      • Encourage IEC's chapters to build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues, including, falls, rear-end auto collisions, and material-handling hazards.

        Regional Alliances

        The following OSHA Regional and Area Offices and IEC Chapter Alliances were signed before the current reporting period and were in effect during the reporting period:

        • OSHA Region V Cincinnati, Ohio Area Office and the IEC of Greater Cincinnati Alliance, signed May 18, 2006, concluded May 1, 2008

          OSHA and IEC of Greater Cincinnati used their collective expertise to help protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to electrical hazards.

          OSHA Region VI Dallas, Texas Area Office and the IEC Dallas Chapter Alliance, signed July 19, 2005

          OSHA and IEC Dallas Chapter are providing IEC employees and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources in order to help protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to electrical, fall, confined space entry, toxic substance(s), and struck-by hazards.

          State of Maryland, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Maryland Occupational Safety and Health and the IEC Chesapeake Chapter Alliance, signed July 8, 2004.

          Maryland OSHA and IEC Chesapeake Chapter are using their collective expertise to help protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to electrical hazards.

   2. Executive Summary

      Through the Alliance Program, OSHA and IEC are continuing to work together to develop products and resources to protect electrical contractors employees from exposure to falls, rear-end auto collisions and material-handling hazards. This positive relationship has led to the development of the many programs and projects that the team is currently working on or has produced. For example:

      • IEC developed a 29 CFR 1910 Electrical Standard Subpart S Fact Sheet. The fact sheet is designed to provide the electrical industry with information about the updates OSHA made to 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S-Electrical Standard.
      • IEC delivered the Arc Flash Safety Presentation regarding the updates made to 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S-Electrical Standard that was developed through the OSHA and IEC Alliance to more than 3,000 people during a number of training sessions.
      • IEC representatives continue to serve on the Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups of the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable.
      • IEC joined with other Alliance Program participants and OSHA to support 2008 NAOSH Week.
      • IEC promoted the activities of the OSHA and IEC Alliance and OSHA's compliance assistance resources and cooperative programs through articles in its publications Insights magazine, Connection and Codes & Safety. The articles focused on a number of topics such as fleet safety.
      • The association's chapters are continuing to recognize the value of working together with OSHA through the Alliance Program and are implementing agreements with OSHA's Regions and Area Offices and State Plan States addressing a number of safety and health issues and hazards, including electrical, fall, confined space entry, toxic substance(s), and struck-by hazards.
   3. Alliance Program Reach

      Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
      OSHA and IEC Alliance Web page on the OSHA Web site	22,653
      OSHA Ergonomics eTool: Solutions for Electrical Contractors	14,884
      OSHA Electrical Safety and Health Topics page	19,020
      OSHA Assistance for the Electrical Contractors Industry Safety and Health Topics page	14,323
      IEC Safety-Related Links page on the IEC Web site	Data not Available
      Arc Flash Safety Presentation downloads from the IEC Safety-Related Links page	5,000
      August 2007: "Mastering the Safety Message," Colorado Construction	Data Not Available
      September 2007: "Mastering the Safety Message," Midwest Construction	Data Not Available
      October 26, 2007: 50th Annual IEC National Convention and Electric Expo 2007, Hilton Americas Houston & George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas. Speaker: Danezza Quintero, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction (DOC), USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA for Construction."	600
      November 1, 2007: "Two New Modules Added to Ergonomics Solutions for Electrical Contractors eTool," QuickTakes	55,226
      November 12, 2007: "Our Safety Tip of the Week is from OSHA," Occupational Health & Safety E-News	Data Not Available
      November 20, 2007: "OSHA Adds Two Modules to Ergonomics E-Tool for Electrical Contractors," Occupational Hazards Magazine	Data Not Available
      November 23, 2007: "OSHA Issues Two Modules for 'Ergonomic Solutions for Electrical Contractors' e-Tool," IHS News	Data Not Available
      December 2007: "Construction Roundtable Reaches Fourth Anniversary," Alliance Quarterly Review	300
      January 2008: "OSHA Add Modules to Ergonomics e-Tool," Professional Safety	Data Not Available
      March 2008: "Second Alliance Program Construction Roundtable Highlights Construction-related Products," Alliance Quarterly Review	300
      April 7, 2008: IEC Safety Committee Meeting, Holiday Inn Capitol, Washington, DC. Speaker: Rob Swick, Program Analyst, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "Alliance Program Update."	8
      June 2008: "Partnerships with OSHA," BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter	Data not Available
      June 2008: "Administrators Assist OSHA's Challenge Pilot Program Participants," Alliance Quarterly Review	300
      TOTAL	132,614

4. Upcoming Milestones

   Based upon the ongoing successes realized through their Alliance, OSHA and IEC agreed to continue the Alliance and are working to develop a draft renewal Alliance agreement. The draft renewal Alliance agreement expands the scope of the Alliance to include reducing and preventing exposure to arc flash hazards and addressing electrical and motor vehicle safety issues.

   Through the OSHA and IEC Alliance, IEC plans to develop the following compliance assistance resources with input and participation from industry and OSHA representatives:

   • Fleet Safety Written Program
   • Fleet Safety Checklist Pocket Card
   • Resources that Address Temporary Lighting
   • NFPA 70E 2008 Revision Fact Sheet
   • Energized Electrical Work Safety Program for Industrial and Commercial sites
    

   In addition, IEC will continue participate on the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups. IEC representatives will also continue to serve on the editorial boards for OSHA's Electrical and Electrical Contractors Safety and Health Topics pages' and Ergonomics eTool: Solutions for Electrical Contractors and will review and provide comments on the resources.

   IEC will continue to promote OSHA compliance assistance materials and cooperative programs and the OSHA and IEC Alliance through the IEC Web site and articles in its monthly publication Insights and its eNewsletters, Connection and Safety and Codes. Further, IEC will include OSHA publications and the OSHA and IEC Alliance Activities Summary in membership packets for new members. OSHA will promote in the Alliance Quarterly Review the products IEC promotes through the Alliance.

   IEC will support the 2008 Drug-Free Work Week, October 20-26, 2008. Also, IEC will support and promote the 2009 NAOSH Week, "Safety Means Always Coming Home." IEC representatives will also attend the 2009 NAOSH Week Kick-off event May 4, 2009, at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC.

    

   Report prepared by: Rob Swick, Program Analyst, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, December 3, 2008.

   Alliance Annual Report
   Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. (IEC)

   August 30, 2008

   Appendix A

   Articles Featured in IEC Publications

   $116,000 Proposed Fine for Unprotected Trenches
   2009 will be a Year for New Changes to NFPA 70E
   A "Challenge" for Construction
   A Challenge to Excellence
   A look at some innovative products recently generated by NIOSH-supported construction research. A10.40 Standard Available
   Administrators assist OSHA's Challenge Pilot program participants
   ANSI Dismisses Latest Appeal to Withdraw Consensus Standard Aimed at Reducing Musculoskeletal Problems in Construction Workers
   Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases 2007 Workplace Fatality Data
   Case Studies and Success Stories
   Clark Construction Signs OSHA Strategic Partnership Agreement
   Contractor Faces Nearly $75,000 in Fines from OSHA for Cave-In and Other Hazards
   Contractor Fined $50,000 for Electrical Accident
   Did You Know States Must Meet Minimum Federal OSHA Standards
   Draft Proposed Rule for Cranes and Derricks in Construction
   Drug Free Work Week
   Drug-Free Work Week Observance Slated for October
   Employee Safety Training
   Free Maryland Occupational Safety & Health Training Seminar
   Free OSHA Publications
   'Free' OSHA Publications and Posters Posting Injury/Illness Summaries Began Feb 1
   Free Safety and Health Evaluations for Your Small Business
   Frequently Cited OSHA Standards
   Helpful DOL Resources for Faith-Based or Community Organizations in Reentry
   IEC Joins Broad Coalition to Observe Drug-Free Work Week 2008
   Injuries and Illnesses Decline
   New DOL On-Line Resources for Training, Mentoring, and Child Support Grants
   New Jobsite Safety Handbooks Have Arrived
   New OSHA Regulation Soon to Become Effective
   New OSHA Web Page on Flood, Tornado Cleanup and Recovery Operations
   New Safety Management resource from OSHA
   New Spanish Teaching Materials
   NFPA 70E® Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace 2009 Edition
   OSHA and SkillsUSA Renew Alliance
   OSHA announces informal public hearing on proposed rule on Confined Spaces in Construction
   OSHA Announces New Education Centers
   OSHA announces new key personnel
   OSHA Answered Question from the Public
   OSHA appoints new regional administrator for Region II
   OSHA Citations
   OSHA citations issued in connection with fatal NYC crane collapse
   OSHA e-Tools
   OSHA Extends Comment Period on the Confined Spaces in Construction NPRM
   OSHA Fines 11 Contractors More than $135,000 for Fall Hazards in Cheektowaga, N.Y.
   OSHA Fines Contractors More than $135,000 for Fall Hazards
   OSHA Interpretation
   OSHA Introduces New Publications Web Page
   OSHA invites public comment on personal protective equipment and employee training requirements
   OSHA Issues Direct Final Rule to Update its Standards Based on National Consensus Standards
   OSHA Issues Draft Ergonomics Guidelines on Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries in Shipyards
   OSHA issues Final Rule on Payment for Personal Protective Equipment
   OSHA issues National Emphasis Program dealing with Lead
   OSHA Issues Proposed Rule on Confined Spaces in Construction
   OSHA Offers Advice on Working in Summer Heat
   OSHA Outreach Training Program Sets Record
   OSHA proposes $63,000 in penalties against Pike Electric for safety violations, electrical contractor fined after trench collapse
   OSHA Records another Successful Enforcement Year in FY 2007
   OSHA Solicit Public Comment
   OSHA Staff and Resources Aid in Hurricane Ike Cleanup and Recovery Efforts
   OSHA Takes Steps to Combat New York City Construction Hazards
   OSHA to Host Forum to Assist Small Businesses in Complying with Regulations
   OSHA VPP begins with "Challenge"
   OSHA's Public Service Announcements
   OSHA's Small Business Assistance Web Page Receives a New Look
   OSHA's National Exhibit Travels to Kansas City, Mo.
   OSHA's Targeted Inspection Plan for 2008
   President's 2009 Budget for OSHA Increases Federal Enforcement and Compliance Assistance Efforts
   Products Developed by Alliance Program Participants
   QuickTips
   Recent Improvements to OSHA Web Site
   Safety and Health Events, Activities Planned Nationwide
   Solution for Flooded Equipment
   Teen Summer Job Safety

    

   There were Many Comments on the New OSHA Proposed Rule on the Confined Space Standard
   U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA fines contractor more than $157,000
   U.S. Labor Department Kicks off Youth Job Safety Campaign on TODAY Show
   Want to Keep Up to Date on Federal Employment, Laws?
   Workplaces with High Injury and Illness Rates Notified by OSHA

AGREEMENT RENEWING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
THE PRECISION METALFORMING ASSOCIATION

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. OSHA and PMA hereby agree to renew the Alliance, originally signed on November 17, 2005, to provide PMA members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety in the metalforming industry. In particular, the Alliance focuses on reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic hazards and addressing press safety issues such as machine guarding and lockout/tagout to prevent amputations and other injuries. In renewing this Alliance, OSHA and PMA recognize that OSHA's State Plan and On-site Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.

OSHA's Alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as training and education, outreach and communication and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health. These Alliances have proved to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with a party, OSHA is not endorsing any of that party's products or services; nor does the Agency enter into an Alliance with the purpose of promoting a particular party's products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of both organizations will continue to meet to take further action in determining working procedures and identifying the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least three times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. Team members will include representatives of OSHA's Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs and any other appropriate offices. OSHA will encourage State Plan States' and OSHA On-site Consultation Projects' participation on the team.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Either signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days written notice. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories.

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND THE
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. OSHA and NECA hereby form an Alliance to provide NECA members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to electrical and construction hazards.

OSHA and NECA will work together to achieve the following training and education goal:

• Identify training needs relating to inside electrical, power line, and video-data-voice systems construction and maintenance, then develop training that can be delivered at NECA chapters.

OSHA and NECA will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:

• Develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media, including links from OSHA's and NECA's web sites.
   
• Speak, exhibit or appear at the NECA Expo, meetings, or other events.
   
• Cross-train OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals in best practices or effective approaches as jointly determined by OSHA and NECA.
   
• Promote and encourage NECA members' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance and the Consultation Program. NECA will act as mentor to members that aspire to excellence in safety and health.

OSHA and NECA will work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health:

• Raise others' awareness of and demonstrate their own commitment to workplace safety and health, whenever NECA leaders address groups.
   
• Share information on NECA worksites' best practices, as jointly determined by OSHA and NECA, with others in the industry through outreach by NECA and through OSHA- or NECA-developed training programs and materials. Promote their implementation through print or electronic media, at conferences, or by other means.
   
• Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on electrical contracting industry problems to help forge innovative solutions to electrical and associated construction safety and health issues in the workplace.

OSHA's Alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as training and education, outreach and communication and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health. These Alliances have proved to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with a party, OSHA is not endorsing any of that party's products or services; nor does the Agency enter into an Alliance with the purpose of promoting a particular party's products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of both organizations will meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least quarterly to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. Team members will include representatives of OSHA's Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, Directorate of Construction, and any other appropriate offices. OSHA will encourage State Plan States' and OSHA Consultation Projects' participation on the team.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Either signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days written notice. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories.

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
and
Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA)
July 6, 2009

1. Alliance Background
   
   Date Signed
   
   March 20, 2008
   
   Evaluation Period
   
   March 20, 2008 – March 19, 2009
   
   Overview
   
   The OSHA and KCMA Alliance focuses on using the organizations' collective expertise to help protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to amputation hazards in the manufacture of kitchen cabinets.
   
   Implementation Team Members
    

   OSHA:
   *Lisa Ramber Bill Willson	Office of Outreach Services and Alliances (OOSA), Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs (DCSP) OOSA, DCSP
   KCMA
   Paul Blannard Gregory Mercado Randy Saylor Dick Titus Janet Titus	Safety and Environmental Manager, Yorktowne Cabinetry EHS Regional Manager, MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. Vice President, Hagerstown Kitchen Executive Director, KCMA Director of Marketing/Member Services, KCMA
   *Lisa Ramber served on the Alliance Implementation Team until August 2008.

2. Implementation Team Meetings
    

   February 5, 2009 November 6, 2008 August 4, 2008 April 10, 2008

   Implementation Team Meeting, Teleconference Implementation Team Meeting, Teleconference Implementation Team Meeting, Teleconference Kick-off Meeting

3. Results
    
   1. Events and Products
      
      Training and Education Goals
       
      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs for kitchen cabinet manufacturers regarding prevention of amputation injuries and to provide expertise in communicating such information to employers and employees in the industry.
      Product
      
      Table Saw Training Program
      
      In order to raise awareness among cabinet manufacturing industry and employees about workplace hazards associated with table saw operations and how to prevent them, KCMA developed the “Table Saw Safety Training” presentation through the OSHA and KCMA Alliance. Topics covered in the presentation include:
       
      • Injury Causes
      • Guarding Equipment
      • PPE Requirements
      • Flying Particles
      • Lockout/Tagout
      OSHA is currently providing review and comment from other OSHA Directorates. Once the review is completed and revisions made KCMA will post the presentation to the KCMA/OSHA Alliance Web page on the association's Web site. In addition, OSHA will link to the presentation from the OSHA and KCMA Alliance Web page and the Alliance Program Participant Developed Products Web page on the Agency's Web site.
      
      Outreach and Communication Goals
       
      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of amputation injuries in kitchen cabinet manufacturing, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g. print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and the KCMA Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.
      Products
      
      OSHA and KCMA Alliance Web page
      
      OSHA created and maintains an OSHA and KCMA Alliance Web page that is posted on the OSHA Web site. The page includes the OSHA and KCMA Alliance agreement news releases, photos, activities and events, as well as links to resources developed by KCMA through the Alliance Program.
      
      KCMA and OSHA Alliance Web page
      
      KCMA created and maintains a KCMA and OSHA Alliance Web page on the KCMA Web site. The Web page includes information about the OSHA and KCMA Alliance and links to OSHA's Web site, On-site Consultation Program Fact Sheet, Alliance-developed resources, and other safety and health information.
      
      OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Safety and Health Topics Page
      
      Through the Alliance, the following KCMA member, Gregory Mercado is serving on the editorial board for OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Safety and Health Topics page.
      
      Toolbox Talks
      
      Through the Alliance, KCMA developed three toolbox talks which are currently in the Agency review process. When the review process is completed the talks will be posted to the KCMA/OSHA Alliance Web page and linked to from the OSHA and KCMA Alliance Web page on the OSHA Web site. The toolbox talks include:
       
      • Hand Safety
      • How Important Are Your Hands?
      • Protect Your Hands
         
      Speak, exhibit, or appear at KCMA conferences, local meetings, or other KCMA events, such as the association's Spring Convention and Fall Management Conference.
       
      Events
      
      KCMA 20th Annual Management Conference, September 26-28, 2008, Birmingham, Alabama
      
      On September 28, 2008, Kelly Moore, Republic Industries, explained her table saw training program to the 230 attendees at the 20th Annual Management Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
      
      54th Annual Convention, May 2009, Tucson, Arizona
      
      120 KCMA attendees attending the 54^th Annual Convention in Tucson, Arizona, received copies of the OSHA QuickCard on Protection Yourself from Amputations as a reminder of KCMA's Alliance with OSHA and continuing work to reduce accidents in the plants. Copies of the OSHA publication Safeguarding Equipment & Protecting Employees from Amputations were distributed to KCMA Board and committee members
      • Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding KCMA best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by KCMA and through OSHA- or KCMA -developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
        
        During this reporting period, OSHA and KCMA did not work on projects to address this goal.
      
      
      • Promote and encourage KCMA members' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, and On-site Consultation and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
      Events
      
      KCMA 20th Annual Management Conference, September 26-28, 2008, Birmingham, Alabama
      
      On September 28, 2008, Tim Howe, Birchcraft Kitchens, spoke to the 230 attendees at the 20th Annual Management Conference in Birmingham, Alabama about his positive experience with an OSHA On-site Consultation. Each attendee also received an OSHA Fact Sheet on the program containing information on how to get started.
      
      Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals
       
      • Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on workplace safety and health issues including the prevention of amputation injuries in the kitchen cabinet manufacturing process to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
        
        During this reporting period, OSHA and KCMA did not work on projects to address this goal.
      
      
      •  
   2. Executive Summary
      
      During the first year of their Alliance, OSHA and KCMA worked together to address safety and health related issues regarding amputations in the cabinet making industry. For example, OSHA created and maintains an OSHA and KCMA Alliance Web page that is posted on the OSHA Web site. The page includes the OSHA and KCMA Alliance agreement news releases, photos, activities and events, as well as links to resources developed by KCMA through the Alliance Program. Moreover, KCMA created and maintains a KCMA/OSHA Alliance Web page on the KCMA Web site. The Web page includes information about the OSHA and KCMA Alliance and links to OSHA's Web site, Alliance-developed resources, and other safety and health information.
      
      Through the Alliance, KCMA has drafted several products and the Agency is currently working to review and provide comment on the products. The products include:
       
      • Table Saw Training Program
      • Toolbox Talks
      Finally, a KCMA Implementation Team member is sharing his expertise with OSHA by serving on the editorial board for OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Safety and Health Topics page.
      
       
   3. Alliance Program Reach
       

   Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Printing and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
   OSHA and KCMA Alliance Web Page on the OSHA Web Site	2,915
   KCMA and OSHA Alliance Web Page on the KCMA Web site	261,180*
   Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Safety and Health Topics Page	97,714
   March 27, 2008: OSHA Forms New Alliance with Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, OSHA News Release	69 News Services
   March 28, 2008: OSHA Forms New Alliance with Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, Safety Online	Data Not Available
   March 31, 2008: OSHA Forms New Alliance with Kitchen Cabinet Manufactures Association, Environmental Resource Center	Data Not Available
   March/April 2008: Cabinet Manufacturers Enter Safety Alliance with OSHA, Reliable Plant Magazine	Data Not Available
   April 4, 2008: OSHA Forms New Alliance with KCMA, Closets - Industry News Landing	21,074
   April 4, 2008: OSHA Forms New Alliance with KCMA, Industrial Strength Woodworking Online	3,998
   April 14, 2008: OSHA Forms New Alliance with Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, CCH NetNews	Data Not Available
   June 2008: OSHA Forms New Alliance with Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, Smoother Times - Online Newsletter	Data Not Available
   December 1, 2008: KCMA-OSHA Alliance Aimed at Worker Safety, AllBusiness	Data Not Available
   July 2008: OSHA Alliances, OSHA Up To Date	Data Not Available
   TOTAL	386,881

   
   * Public page most hits from public inquiry into kitchen cabinets.
    
    
4. Upcoming Milestones
   
   During the upcoming year, KCMA will continue to work through the Alliance to develop compliance assistance tools and resources. For example, the Alliance will:
    
   • Continue to share Spanish Language resources with KCMA members, the cabinet making industry and others;
   • Develop Fact Sheet/Best Practices documents to address amputation and dust control issues;
   • Complete the review of the KCMA “Table Saw Training” program that is currently under review by the Agency;
   • Complete the three toolbox talks that are currently under review by the Agency and identify additional topics in 2009;
   • Provide publications and potential speakers for KCMA meetings such as the KCMA Spring Convention April 19, 2009 in Tucson, Arizona;
   • Complete success stories on health and safety programs developed by KCMA members and a story about a successful On-site Consultation Program experience;
   • Share information KCMA has tracked since 1995 in an annual safety survey on illness and injury incidents with the Agency;
   • Help support 2009 North American Occupational Safety and Health Week; and
   • KCMA member Gregory Mercado will continue to serve as a member of the editorial board for OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Safety and Health Topics page and will provide feedback as appropriate. In addition, KCMA will solicit other members to serve on the editorial boards for several of the 120 OSHA eTools and Safety and Health Topics pages.
   
   Report prepared by: Bill Willson, Alliance Coordinator, OOSA, August 13, 2009

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association (CSDA)

1. Alliance Background
   
   Date Signed
   
   March 16, 2006
   
   Date Renewed
   
   March 26, 2008
   
   Evaluation Period
   
   March 16, 2010 - March 15, 2011
   
   Overview
   
   The OSHA and CSDA Alliance is providing CSDA members and sawing and drilling operators, with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety. Through the Alliance, the organizations are addressing issues such as electrical safety, hearing protection, and ladder and scaffold safety.
   
   Implementation Team Members
   
   OSHA:
   
   Francis Daugherty - Office of Construction Standards and Guidance (CSG) and OCS, DOC,
   Bill Willson - Office of Outreach Services and Alliances (OOSA), Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs (DCSP)
   
   CSDA:
   
   Susan Hollingsworth - Past President
   
   Patrick O'Brien -Executive Director
   
   Tom Stowell - Past President
   
   Kellie Vazquez - Contract/Safety Administrator, Holes Incorporated
   
   Doug Walker -President
2. Implementation Team Meetings
    

   June 16, 2010 October 13, 2010 February 11, 2011

   Implementation Team Meeting Implementation Team Meeting Implementation Team Meeting

   
   In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Alliance's progress and results.
3. Results
    
   1. Events and Products
      
      Outreach and Communication
       
      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and the CSDA's Web sites) to employers and employees in the construction industry.
      Products
      
      OSHA and CSDA Alliance Web Page
      
      OSHA is continuing to update the OSHA and CSDA Alliance Web page that is posted on the OSHA Web site. The Web page includes links to the OSHA and CSDA Alliance agreements, news releases, activities and events, milestones and successes, and resources developed by CSDA through the OSHA and CSDA Alliance.
      
      CSDA Web Site
      
      CSDA continues to maintain the CSDA and OSHA Alliance Web page on the CSDA Web site. The page includes links to CSDA Alliance Best Practices and information on OSHA's Web site, such as QuickTakes and OSHA fact sheets.
      
      Publications and Newsletters
      
      Information on the activities of the OSHA and CSDA Alliance appeared in Concrete Openings and the Alliance Quarterly Review.In 2011 CSDA added a new column "OSHA/CSDA Alliance Latest." The column includes new information about the OSHA and CSDA Alliance along with timely information such as the agency's Distracted Driving Initiative. For more information on the articles, see the "Alliance Program Reach" table.
      
      Concrete and Concrete Products - Manufacturing and Construction Safety and Health Topics page
      
      The following CSDA representatives serve on OSHA's Concrete and Concrete Products - Manufacturing and Construction Safety and Health Topics page's editorial board and provide OSHA with their expertise and comments:
       
      • • Susan Hollingsworth, Holes Incorporated, CEO; CSDA, Houston, Texas
        • Pat O'Brien, CSDA, Executive Director; St. Petersburg, Florida
        • Kellie Vazquez, Contract/Safety Administrator, Holes Incorporated; CSDA, Houston, Texas
      • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or CSDA's conferences, local meetings, or other events such as the CSDA Annual Convention and World of Concrete.
      Event
      
      World of Concrete Conference and Trade Show 2011, January 17-21, 2011, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
      
      Representatives from OSHA and the Nevada On-site Consultation Program staffed an Alliance Program exhibit booth during the World of Concrete Conference and Trade show, January 17-21, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Art Sipple, Industrial Hygienist, Nevada On-site Consultation Program, and Francisco S. Zapanta Jr., Compliance Safety and Health Officer, Las Vegas Office, USDOL-OSHA, staffed an exhibit booth during the event.
       
      • Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding CSDA's best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by CSDA and through OSHA- or CSDA-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
      During this reporting period, OSHA and CSDA did not work on projects to address this goal.
       
      • Promote and encourage CSDA members' or worksites' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, and the On-site Consultation Program and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
      During this reporting period, OSHA and CSDA did not work on projects to address this goal.
      
      Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health
      
      
      • Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on construction-related issues to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
      Products Alliance Program Construction Roundtable Products Development
      
      Through the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, CSDA championed the development of a number of products including:
       
      • Strains, Sprains and Material Handling Safety Tips for Employers and Workers (2011, February)
      • Prevention of Strains, Sprains, and Material Handling Injuries in Construction (2010, July)
      • Sprains and Strains Prevention Toolbox Safety Talk (2010, July)
      Construction Workplace Design Solutions
      
      Through the Alliance Program, members of the CSDA Alliance Implementation team provided feedback on a series of Construction Workplace Design Solutions, which focus on design solutions to help prevent falls in the construction industry. (2010, May)
       
      • Falls From Roof Edge
      • Falls From Floor Openings
      • Falls From Non-Moving Vehicles
      • Roof Hatch Access and Hole Protection
      • Specify Non-Fragile Skylights and/or Skylight Guards
      • Specify Sufficient Wall Height to Allow Parapets to Function as Fall Prevention
      The products, developed through the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, were finalized in May 2010 and posted to the Design for Construction Web site and linked to from the Construction Roundtable Alliance Web page on the OSHA Web site.
      
      Success Story "Change in Safety Culture at Pepper Construction Company Leads to Dramatic Decline in Injuries and Illnesses"
      
      Through the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, participants developed a success story that highlights how a construction company's focus on workplace safety and health during its strategic planning initiative led to significant drops in workplace injuries and illnesses.
      
      Events
      
      2010 North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, May 2-8, 2010
      
      On May 2-8, 2010, the CSDA Alliance and a number of other Alliance Program participants supported 2010 NAOSH Week. Sponsored annually by the American Association of Safety Engineers, an Alliance Program participant, and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, the Week focuses on the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace. The theme for 2010 was "Mission NAOSH 2010: Safe Workplaces." In support of the Week, CSDA published the article "OSHA Alliances Supporting 2011 NAOSH Week," in Concrete Openings the March 2011 edition and linked to information about the Week from its Web site.
      
      OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable Meeting, Department of Labor, February 17, 2011, Washington, DC
      
      On February 17, 2011, a representative from CSDA Alliance participated in the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable meeting in Washington, D.C. During the meeting, Alliance Program participants discussed products developed through the Roundtable, including the next series of draft Construction Workplace Design Solutions, and identified potential projects and compliance assistance resources to help address safety and health hazards in the construction industry.
   2. Executive Summary
      Through the Alliance Program, OSHA and CSDA continue to work together to address safety and health issues in the sawing and drilling operators industry. To meet the goals of the Alliance agreement, OSHA and CSDA worked together on several projects. For example:
       
      • CSDA continues to support the Alliance Program Roundtable. Efforts related to the Roundtable during the reporting period include:
        • Strains, Sprains and Material Handling Safety Tips for Employers and Workers
        • Prevention of Strains, Sprains, and Material Handling Injuries in Construction
        • Sprains and Strains Prevention Toolbox Safety Talk
      • Representatives from OSHA and Nevada On-site Consultation Program staffed an Alliance Program exhibit booth during the conference and trade show, January 17-21, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
      • CSDA representatives worked with other Alliance Program participants to support 2010 NAOSH Week, held May 2-8, 2010.
      • CSDA representatives are serving on the editorial board for the OSHA Concrete and Concrete Products- Manufacturing and Construction Safety and Health Topics page.
      • Finally, CSDA also promotes the activities of the OSHA and CSDA Alliance and OSHA's compliance assistance resources through articles the association publishes in its monthly magazine, Concrete Openings which added a new column "OSHA/CSDA Alliance Latest" and the CSDA and OSHA Web page on its Web site.
   3. Alliance Program Reach
       

      Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
      OSHA and CSDA Alliance Web site on the OSHA Web site	Data Not Available
      CSDA and OSHA Alliance Web page	Data Not Available
      Concrete and Concrete Products - Manufacturing and Construction Safety and Health Topics page	Data Not Available
      Alliance Quarterly Review	300
      June 2010: "Safety and Training," Concrete Openings	60,000
      September 2010: "Representation with Governmental Organizations," Concrete Openings	60,000
      January 17-20, 2011:  World of Concrete Conference and Trade Show 2009, Las Vegas, Nevada Exhibited:, USDOL-OSHA	48,554
      March 2011: "Addressing Distracted Driving: Employees Need to Keep Their Eyes on the Road," Concrete Openings	60,000
      March 2011: "Revising OSHA Small Business Web Pages," Concrete Openings	60,000
      March 2011: "OSHA Alliances Supporting 2011 NAOSH Week," Concrete Openings	60,000
      Total	358,541

4. Upcoming Milestones

   The OSHA and CSDA Alliance Implementation Team has discussed a number of activities that will be undertaken in the upcoming year. For example:

   • CSDA will work with OSHA to complete a series of Fact Sheets including "Ladder and Scaffolding" and "Hearing." 
   • CSDA will continue to support the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable.
   • CSDA will invite OSHA representatives to exhibit and speak at the World of Concrete 2012 Conference and Trade Show, January 24-27, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
   • Furthermore, CSDA will work with other Alliance Program participants in supporting 2011 NAOSH Week that will be held May 1-7, 2011.  
   • CSDA representatives will also continue to provide their expertise to OSHA by serving on the OSHA Concrete and Concrete Products - Manufacturing and Construction Safety and Health Topics page's editorial board, by participating in the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable.
   • Finally, the organization will continue to promote OSHA compliance assistance materials and the OSHA and CSDA Alliance through its Web site and articles in Concrete Openings and its newsletter, CSDA News.

   Report prepared by: Bill Willson, Program Analyst, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, April 19, 2011.

ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the
American Foundry Society (AFS)
June 13, 2007

I. Alliance Background

Date Signed

March 22, 2004

Date Renewed

April 28, 2006

Evaluation Period

March 22, 2006 - March 21, 2007

Overview

Through the Alliance, OSHA and AFS are providing AFS members and others, including small businesses in the metal casting industry, with information, guidance, and access to training resources to protect employees' health and safety. The Alliance specifically addresses workplace issues, including personal protective equipment, ventilation and reducing and preventing exposure to silica.

Implementation Team Members

*Jess McCluer was the OSHA and AFS Alliance coordinator until December 5, 2006.

II. Implementation Team Meetings

III. Results

1. Events and Products
   
   Training and Education Goals
    
   • Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs for the metalcasting industry regarding PPE, ventilation and silica, and to provide expertise in communicating such information to employers and employees in the industry.
     
     The OSHA and AFS Alliance Implementation Team has not started work on programs or projects to address this goal.
      
   • Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop workplace safety and health curricula on the foundry workplace issues including, PPE, ventilation and silica.
     
     The OSHA and AFS Alliance Implementation Team has not started work on programs or projects to address this goal.
   Outreach and Communication Goals
    
   • Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g. print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and AFS's Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.
   Products
   
   Publications and News Releases
   
   A number of articles appeared in print and electronic media, including publications such as Modern Casting, US Newswire, and OSHA Up to Date. In addition, OSHA and AFS issued news releases on the Alliance's renewal during the reporting period. For more information on publications and electronic media, please see the Alliance Reach table.
   
   OSHA and AFS Alliance Web page
   
   OSHA is continuing to update the OSHA and AFS Alliance Web page that is posted on the Agency's Web site. It includes the OSHA and AFS Alliance agreements, news releases, events and milestones and successes. In addition, the Web page links to the AFS guide, "Guide for Selection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment and Special Clothing for Foundry Operations", which is a product of the OSHA and AFS Alliance, on the AFS Web site.
   
   OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Safety and Health Topics page
   
   The following OSHA and AFS Alliance implementation team member continues to serve on the editorial board for OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Safety and Health Topics page:
    
   • • Jack Schuldt, AFS, President, Safety Specialties, Inc.; Mulberry, FL
   • Speak, exhibit, and/or appear at OSHA and AFS conferences, local meetings, and other events such as the annual Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) conference and the Washington Conference.
   Events
   
   2006 AFS Government Affairs Conference, Old Executive Office Building, April 26 - 28, 2006, Washington, DC
   
   On April 28, 2006, Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., Assistant Secretary, USDOL-OSHA, made a presentation, "OSHA Update and the OSHA and AFS Alliance Update," to 75 people during the 2006 AFS Government Affairs Conference in Washington, DC. Following the presentation, OSHA and AFS representatives signed the OSHA and AFS Alliance renewal agreement.
   
   110th Metalcasting Congress, April 18-21, 2006, Columbus, Ohio
   
   On April 18-21, 2006, the Alliance Program exhibited at the 110th Metalcasting Congress in Columbus, OH. The following OSHA Region V representatives from the Columbus, Ohio Area Office and Ohio OSHA On-site Consultation Program staffed the exhibit booth and answered attendees' questions during the conference:
    
   • Chris Matthewson, Compliance Assistance Specialist
   • David Wilson, Lead Safety Specialist
   • Gerald Miller, Safety Specialist
   • John Sahayda, Lead Safety Specialist
   • Larry Johnson, Safety Specialist
   • Vanessa Martin, Safety Specialist
   • David Roll, Ohio OSHA On-site Consultation Program
   18th AFS Environmental, Health and Safety Conference, September 17-20, 2006, Nashville, Tennessee.
   
   On September 17-20, 2006, representatives from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TOSHA) staffed the Alliance Program exhibit booth during the 18th AFS Environmental, Heath and Safety Conference. Sandy Bennett, Manager of Training and Education, TOSHA and Jan Cothron, Manager of Health Compliance, TOSHA, distributed safety and health information and answered questions for the conference's attendees.
   
   Ohio Cast Metal Association Meeting, January 16, 2007, Columbus, OH
   
   On January 16, 2007, AFS representatives Fred Kohloff and Jack Schuldt with Nancy Newman, Assistant Area Director, OSHA Region V, Cleveland, OH Area Office participated in a panel discussion during the Ohio Cast Metal Association Meeting in Columbus, OH. The discussion focused on topics which specifically impact the foundry industry in Ohio.
    
   • Share information among OSHA personnel, including Compliance Safety and Health Officers, and industry safety and health professionals regarding AFS's best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by AFS and through OSHA- or AFS-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
     
     The OSHA and AFS Alliance Implementation Team has not started work on programs or projects to address this goal.
      
   • Promote and encourage AFS chapters or worksites' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, and the Consultation Program and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
     
     The OSHA and AFS Alliance Implementation Team has not started work on programs or projects to address this goal.
      
   • Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects regarding PPE, ventilation and silica issues that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
   Promoting the Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) Workgroup, October 25, 2006, Washington, DC
   
   Stephanie Salmon, an AFS 10Q Safety Committee member and AFS Washington, DC representative, participated in the October 25, 2006 Alliance Program Hazard Communication Roundtable's Promoting the GHS Workgroup meeting, in Washington, DC. During the Workgroup meeting, representatives from 15 Alliance Program participants identified compliance assistance tools and products to educate the public, particularly small businesses, about the GHS. They also provided recommendations on the target audiences, subjects and formats of and methods for distributing the information. The meeting was held as a follow-up to the February 15, 2005 Alliance Program Hazard Communication Roundtable and the August 1, 2005 promoting the Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals Workgroup meeting.
   
   OSHA Alliance Program Small Business Roundtable, February 1, 2007, Washington, DC
   
   On February 1, 2007, AFS representative Stephanie Salmon along with representatives from five other Alliance Program participants attended the OSHA Alliance Program Small Business Roundtable. During the meeting, OSHA and On-site Consultation Program representatives updated the Alliance Program participants on the status of the recommendations to enhance OSHA's small business compliance assistance resources that were made during the Alliance Program Small Business Roundtable held September 8, 2005.
    
   • Encourage AFS chapters and worksites to build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues.
     
     The OSHA and AFS Alliance Implementation Team has not started work on programs or projects to address this goal.
2. Executive Summary
   
   OSHA and AFS continued to work together through the OSHA and AFS Alliance. As a result of the successes of the OSHA and AFS Alliance in its first two years, the organizations signed an Alliance renewal agreement on April 28, 2006, during the 2006 AFS Government Affairs Conference in Washington, DC.
   
   Through the Alliance, OSHA and AFS are continuing to share compliance assistance information and resources with the foundry industry. For example, OSHA and Ohio OSHA On-site Consultation Program staff exhibited at the 110th Metalcasting Congress, April 18-21, 2006 in Columbus, OH and distributed safety and health information and answered questions from the conference's attendees. In addition, representatives from the TOSHA staffed an OSHA and AFS Alliance exhibit booth September 17-20, 2006, in Nashville, Tennessee. Further, OSHA and AFS representatives participated in a panel discussion, addressing topics that impact employees in the metalcasting industry in Ohio at an Ohio Metal Casting Association meeting, January 16, 2007, in Columbus, OH.
   
   In addition, an AFS representative is sharing his expertise through participation on the editorial board for OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Safety and Health Topics page. Further, a number of articles on the OSHA and AFS Alliance appeared in print and electronic media, including publications such as Modern Casting, US Newswire, and OSHA Up to Date.
   
   An AFS representative also participates on the Alliance Program's Hazard Communication Roundtable, Globally Harmonized Systems (GHS) for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals Workgroup. The Workgroup is discussing the development and distribution of resources to promote the GHS to small business in anticipation of OSHA's revising its Hazard Communication Standard to adopt the GHS. Finally, an AFS representative attended the OSHA Alliance Program Small Business Roundtable, February 1, 2007 in Washington, DC.
    
3. Alliance Program Reach

IV. Upcoming Milestones

The OSHA and AFS Alliance Implementation Team have discussed a number of activities that will be undertaken in the upcoming year.

The OSHA and AFS Alliance will continue to promote OSHA's compliance assistance resources and cooperative programs including the Alliance Program through speaking and exhibiting opportunities. For example, representatives from OSHA's Region VI and Texas On-site Consultation Program will staff the OSHA and AFS Alliance Program exhibit at the 111th Metalcasting Congress in May 2007 in Houston, Texas.

AFS will also continue to promote OSHA compliance assistance materials and outreach resources and the OSHA and AFS Alliance through its Web site and articles in their monthly publication, Modern Casting.

Further, representatives of the association will continue participating on the Alliance Program's Hazard Communication Roundtable Globally Harmonized Systems for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals Workgroup.

OSHA and AFS will work together, through the Alliance, to complete a guide book on silica hazards in the foundry industry. In addition, OSHA and AFS may work together to revise the AFS Health and Safety Guide and AFS will explore developing case studies to reduce and prevent workers' exposure to silica within the foundry industry.

AFS also will explore opportunities to work with other Alliance Program participants such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association to develop safety and health compliance assistance resources. Finally, AFS will encourage its chapters to invite OSHA representatives to speak at their meetings on OSHA cooperative programs and compliance assistance resources.


Report prepared by: Rick. Harris, Program Analyst, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, March 26, 2007