ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
And
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
January 11, 2006

1. Alliance Background

   Date Signed

   October 26, 2004

   Overview

   Through the Alliance, OSHA and SDMS are working together to provide the organization's members and others in the medical community with information, guidance, and access to training resources to help protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

   Implementation Team Members

   OSHA

   Brett Besser

   Salt Lake Technical Center (SLTC)

   Brently Donaldson

   Office of Training and Education (OTE)

   Sandra Khan

   Office of Outreach Services and Alliances (OOSA)

   SDMS

   Joan Baker

   Founder

   Donald Haydon

   Executive Director

   Evaluation Period

   October 26, 2004 – October 25, 2005

2. Implementation Team Meetings

   October 26, 2004

   Kick-off Meeting, Washington, D.C.

   February 4, 2005

   Meeting, Washington, D.C

   May 15, 2005

   Meeting, Washington, D.C

   September 23, 2005

   Meeting, Washington, D.C

3. Results

   1. Events and Products

      Training and Education Goal

      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop and promote training and education programs on work-related MSD issues for the medical ultrasound community (e.g.: employees, employers, educators, medical facilities, and equipment manufacturers).

        During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance 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 to employers and employees in the industry.

      Products

      OSHA and SDMS Alliance Web page on OSHA's Web site

      The OSHA and SDMS Alliance Web page on OSHA's Web site includes links to related documents, activities and events, products and resources, milestones and successes and a link to the SDMS and OSHA Alliance Web page. This page is updated on a regular basis. For more information on the number of visits please see the "Alliance Program Reach" table.

      SDMS and OSHA Alliance Web page on SDMS's Web site

      The SDMS and OSHA Alliance Web page on SDMS's Web site includes the goals of the Alliance, links to the OSHA and SDMS Alliance Web page and articles related to the Alliance. In addition, the Web page has links to the SDMS Workzone for musculoskeletal disorders and the Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography.

      • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or SDMS' conferences, and meetings such as, the SDMS Annual Conference, or other ultrasound related events.

      Print and Electronic Media

      Articles on the OSHA and SDMS Alliance appeared in print and online publications, including: BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter, BNA Daily Labor Report, OSHA and SDMS News Releases, QuickTakes and the Alliance Quarterly Review. For more information on the articles, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.

      Events

      2005 SDMS Annual Conference, Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, Dallas, Texas October 6-9, 2005

      At the 2005 SDMS Annual Conference, October 6-9, 2005, in Dallas, Texas, OSHA representative, Brett Besser, Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Professional Ergonomist, SLTC presented, "Hazards, Suggestions, Enforcement, and Resources for Ultrasound Practitioners" to over 40 attendees. In addition, Susan Monroe, Industrial Hygienist, OSHA Region VI, Dallas, Texas Area Office, Jess McClure, Program Analyst, OOSA, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, and Brett Besser staffed the OSHA and SDMS Alliance exhibit booth. The OSHA staff distributed copies of the OSHA-SDMS Alliance Activities Summary document, the Alliance Program brochure and "All About OSHA" to over 200 attendees.

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

        During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.

      • Promote and encourage SDMS members or their worksites' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation, and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

        During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.

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

        During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.

      • Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects on MSD and ergonomics that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.

        During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.

      • Encourage diagnostic medical ultrasound worksites to build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues associated with equipment, professional, and administrative control measures.

        During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.

      Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals

      • Raise others' awareness of and demonstrate their own commitment to workplace safety and health whenever SDMS leaders address groups.

      SDMS Presentation

      SDMS has demonstrated their commitment to the OSHA and SDMS Alliance by adding information on the Alliance Program and the OSHA and SDMS Alliance to several SDMS ergonomic presentations. Ms. Joan Baker made the following presentations to numerous healthcare facilities and organizations through-out the United States:

      • • Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography
        • The Prevention and Self-Care of Occupational Injury in Sonography
        • The Importance of Ergonomics in Diagnostic Ultrasound

        • Sonography Injury Workshop

      • Develop and promote dissemination of case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health and publicize their results.

        During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.

      • Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on MSD and ergonomic issues related to sonography to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.

      Fairbanks Alaska Radiological Society Annual Meeting, April 16-17, 2005, Fairbanks, Alaska

      SDMS representative, Joan Baker participated in the Occupational Injury in Allied Health and Its Financial Impact Roundtable sponsored by the Fairbanks Alaska Radiological Society Annual Meeting held April 16-17, 2005 in Fairbanks, Alaska.

      Government Issues, Boston, June 17, 2005, Boston, Massachusetts

      SDMS representative, Joan Baker participated in the Government Issues Roundtable held in Boston, Massachusetts on June 17, 2005.

   2. Executive Summary

      During the OSHA and SDMS Alliance's first year a productive working relationship was established between the organizations. OSHA learned more about the diagnostic medical sonography profession and SDMS learned more about the compliance assistance resources that the Agency has developed. OSHA and SDMS explored ways to use their collective expertise to help foster a culture of prevention while sharing technical knowledge in the area of ergonomics and promoting safe and healthful working conditions for sonographers.

      Through the Alliance Program, OSHA and SDMS have developed Alliance Web pages on their organizations' Web site. The OSHA and SDMS Alliance Web pages provide links to the Alliance agreement, related documents, activities and events and reciprocal Web site links. In addition, the OSHA and SDMS Alliance was featured in several publications including, BNA's Occupational Safety and Health Reporter, BNA Daily Labor Report, OSHA's and SDMS's News Releases, Quick Takes and the Alliance Quarterly Review.

      OSHA representative, Brett Besser, Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Professional Ergonomist, SLTC, gave a presentation "Hazards, Suggestions, Enforcement, and Resources for Ultrasound Practitioners" during the October 6-9, 2005, SDMS 2005 Annual Conference to over 40 attendees. In addition, representatives from OSHA's National Office, SLTC and Region VI, Dallas, Texas Area Office staffed the OSHA-SDMS Alliance exhibit booth during the event.

      SDMS representative, Ms. Joan Baker included information on the OSHA and SDMS Alliance in many of her slide presentations that she gives through out the United States. In addition, Ms. Baker promoted the OSHA and SDMS Alliance and participated at the Government Issues Roundtable, June 17, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts and at the Occupational Injury in Allied Health and Its Financial Impact Roundtable, April 16-17, 2005 in Fairbanks, Alaska.

   3. Alliance Program Reach

      Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
      October 6-9, 2005 – 2005 SDMS Annual Conference, Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, Dallas, Texas Speaker: Brett Besser	1,300
      October 6-9, 2005 – 2005 SDMS Annual Conference, Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, Dallas, Texas Exhibited	1,300
      October 6-9, 2005 – 2005 SDMS Annual Conference, Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, Dallas, Texas Speaker: Joan Baker	1,300
      OSHA and SDMS Alliance Web page on OSHA's Web site	4,315
      SDMS and OSHA Alliance Web page on SDMS's Web site	21,490
      August 31, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Jonesboro, Arkansas Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      August 30, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Meridian, Mississippi Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      August 29, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Jackson, Mississippi Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      August 24, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Joplin, Missouri Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      August 23, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Mountain Home, Arkansas Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      August 18, 2005 – "The Importance of Ergonomics in Diagnostic Ultrasound" Tampa, Florida Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      August 9, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography, Part 1," Long Island, New York Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      July 16, 2005 – "The Importance of Ergonomics in Diagnostic Ultrasound" Tacoma, Washington Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      June 17, 2005 – "Government Issues Roundtable" Boston, Massachusetts Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      June 7, 2005 – "The Prevention and Self-Care of Occupational Injury in Sonography" Milwaukee, Wisconsin Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      May 23-25, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Des Moines, Iowa Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      May 18-19, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Columbia and Washington, Maryland Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      May 3-4, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Independence, Missouri Kansas City, Kansas Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      April27-28, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" St. Louis, Missouri Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      April18-21, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography," Burlingtom, Massachusetts Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      April 16-17, 2005 – "Occupational Injury in Allied Health and Its Financial Impact Roundtable" Fairbanks, Alaska Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      April 12, 2005 – "The Prevention and Self-Care of Occupational Injury in Sonography" Milwaukee, Wisconsin Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      March 15-17, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Providence, Rhode Island and Hartford, Connecticut Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      March 8-11, 2005 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Greenville, South Carolina, Columbia and Florence, North Carolina Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      February 2005 – "Alliance formed to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders," Medical Imaging	1,998
      January 22, 2005 – 2nd Annual Echocardiography Symposium, "Sonography Injury Workshop" Phoenix, Arizona Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      January 3-6, 2004 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia, Raleigh, North Carolina Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      December 29-30, 2004 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Erie, Pennsylvania Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      December 17, 2004 – "The Prevention and Self-Care of Occupational Injury in Sonography" Milwaukee, Wisconsin Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      December7-8, 2004 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Dallas, Texas Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      November 2004 – "OSHA Forms Alliance with the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography," Facilities Management News	Data not available
      November 29-December 2, 2004 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Gainesville and Jacksonville Florida Dothan, Alabama Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      November 17, 2004 – "The Prevention and Self-Care of Occupational Injury in Sonography" Milwaukee, Wisconsin Speaker: Joan Baker	35
      November 5, 2004 – "SDMS Forges Alliance with OSHA to Reduce and Prevent Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders," SDMS News Release	1,448
      November 1-3, 2004 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Miami and Fort Myers, Florida Speaker: Joan Baker, SDMS	35
      October 28, 2004 – "OSHA Alliance with Medical Society Announced," BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter	Data not available
      October 27-28, 2004 – "Ergonomic Challenges in Echocardiography" Portland, Maine and Manchester, New Hampshire Speaker: Joan Baker, SDMS	35
      October 27, 2004 – "OSHA Alliance with Medical Society Announced," BNA Daily Labor Report	Data not available
      October 26, 2004 – "Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Joins OSHA in Alliance; Agreement Highlights Ergonomic-Related Issues," U.S. Newswire	Data not available
      October 26, 2004 – "Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Joins OSHA in Alliance," OSHA News Release	43 news services
      TOTAL	40,551

4. Upcoming Milestones

   In the coming year, OSHA and SDMS will continue to provide information, guidance, and access to training resources to protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to work-related MSDs. For example, the Alliance will provide resources for the public on work-related MSDs through the OSHA and SDMS Alliance Web page and SDMS's Workzone Web page on musculoskeletal injuries within the sonography profession.

   The Alliance implementation team will also work with the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and Joint Commission Resources (JCR), another Alliance Program participant, to develop articles for JCR's monthly newsletter, Environment of Care and a Web cast on best practices for sonographers. In addition, SDMS will explore opportunities to work with the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) and the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP), Alliance Program participants, to address MSD issues.

   SDMS will give a presentation on the prevention of work-related MSDs during the Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine's May 2006 Journal Club Web Conference.

   Finally, OSHA and SDMS will develop a fact sheet on ergonomics for diagnostic medical sonographers. The fact sheet will be available, free of charge, on SDMS's Workzone Web site and OSHA will add a link on the OSHA and SDMS Alliance Web page. OSHA also will consider incorporating the fact sheet into its healthcare course curriculum.

Report prepared by: Sandra Khan, Alliance Coordinator, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, January 11, 2006.

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
CPWR – THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and CPWR – the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. To that end, OSHA and CPWR hereby form an Alliance to provide construction workers, employers, and others, including members of other construction alliances, with information, guidance, and access to safety and health research findings, interventions, and related training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers, particularly by reducing and preventing exposure to known and emerging construction hazards that are the focus of research efforts, and understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). This agreement provides a framework and objectives for the Alliance's activities. Alliance participants will summarize specific activities and timeframes for completion in a written work plan.

Through the Alliance, the organizations will use relevant injury, illness and hazard exposure data when appropriate to help identify areas of emphasis for Alliance awareness, outreach, and communication activities. The Alliance will also explore and implement selected options to evaluate the effectiveness of the Alliance and measure the impact of its overall effort on improving workplace safety for employers and workers. In developing this Alliance, OSHA and CPWR recognize that OSHA's State Plan and On-site Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort, and that information about the products and activities of the Alliance may be shared with these partners for the advancement of common goals.

Raising Awareness of OSHA's Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following objectives related to raising awareness of OSHA's rulemaking and enforcement initiatives:

• To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on known and emerging construction hazards to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
• To encourage worker participation in workplace safety and health by disseminating research findings, solutions, and training programs that address known and emerging construction hazards.

Outreach and Communication

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following outreach and communication objectives:

• To develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to develop ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA's and CPWR’s websites) to employers and workers in the industry.
• To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or CPWR’s conferences, local meetings, or other construction industry events, including OSHA’s Alliance Program Construction Roundtable.
• To share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding CPWR research-based good practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum) developed by the participants.

OSHA's Alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as raising awareness of OSHA's rulemaking and enforcement initiatives, training and education, and outreach and communication. 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 or promoting, nor does it intend to endorse or promote, any of that party's products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of each organization will meet to develop a work plan, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least two times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. OSHA team members will include representatives of the Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, the Directorate of Construction, 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 written concurrence of both signatories.

Signed this 11th day of January, 2017

OSHA and the Fertilizer Safety and Health Partners (FSHP)
Alliance Close-Out Report

On February 2, 2015, OSHA and the FSHP formed an Alliance to provide members and others, including non-English and limited English-speaking workers, with information, guidance, and training resources to help protect the safety and security of workers, emergency responders, and the communities surrounding agricultural retail and supply facilities.

Based on discussions regarding the future of the Alliance, OSHA and FSHP agreed to conclude the agreement as of October 22, 2018. A number of successes have resulted from the OSHA and FSHP Alliance. For example, members of FSHP:

• Delivered a technical session focusing on process safety management and emergency response at the 2016 National Safety Council Annual Congress and Expo, reaching more than 25 people.
• Developed an industry safety and health fact sheet in support of OSHA's Safe + Sound Campaign.
• Routinely promoted OSHA's initiatives and outreach campaigns, such as National Safety Stand-Down Week to Prevent Falls in Construction, Safe + Sound Week, and Heat Illness Prevention.
• Sponsored more than 20 industry-led "Ammonia Safety Days," reaching more than 350 people.
• Provided opportunities for more than 50 federal agency staff, including OSHA and EPA, to tour the ResponsibleAg training facility that helps agribusinesses comply with environmental, health, safety, and security regulations to keep employees, customers, and our communities safe.
• Attended the 2018 OSHA Alliance Program Forum and shared information on safety and health issues/best practices in the agricultural retail industry.
• Disseminated information and resources to reach over 150,000 individuals in the agricultural retail industry over the course of the Alliance.

Report Prepared by: Todd Briggs, Program Analyst, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, November 1, 2018.

AGREEMENT RENEWING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
THE ASSOCIATION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN HEALTHCARE

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) hereby renew the Alliance signed February 19, 2004 and renewed on August 27, 2006. OSHA and AOHP continue to recognize the value of providing safe and healthy American workplaces. Through the Alliance renewal agreement the organizations will continue to protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to patient-handling hazards, bloodborne diseases, and emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities. In renewing this Alliance, OSHA and AOHP recognize that OSHA's State Plan and On-site Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.

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

• Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs and materials on bloodborne diseases and emergency preparedness for healthcare institutions and workers.

OSHA and AOHP will work together to achieve the following 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 AOHP's Web sites) to employers and employees in the healthcare industry.
• Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or AOHP's conferences, local meetings, or other AOHP sponsored events such as the AOHP Annual National Conference.
• Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding AOHP's best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by AOHP and through OSHA's or AOHP's developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
• Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects related to patient-handling hazards, bloodborne diseases and emergency preparedness that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.

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 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, Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine 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. Any 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 RENEWING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
THE AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE ASSOCIATION

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) recognize the value of continuing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces and hereby renew the Alliance originally signed October 2, 2002 and renewed April 23, 2004, and renewed again July 6, 2006. Through the Alliance, OSHA and AIHA will provide AIHA's members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, particularly by focusing on construction and general industry issues and emergency response. In renewing this Alliance, OSHA and AIHA recognize that OSHA's State Plan and On-site Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.

OSHA and AIHA will work together to achieve the following 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 the AIHA's Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.
• Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding AIHA's best practices or effective approaches, with a focus on small and medium size businesses, and publicize results through outreach by AIHA and through OSHA- or AIHA developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, lectures (or any other applicable forum).
• Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or AIHA's conferences, local meetings, or other events, including the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo (AIHce).
• Encourage AIHA local sections to build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues addressed through the Alliance.
• Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program, including support for North American Occupational Safety and Health Week.

OSHA and AIHA will also work together to achieve the following goal related to promoting the national dialogue on workplace health and safety:

• Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on issues relating to protecting worker health to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on health and safety issues.

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 health and safety. 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 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.

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
and the Process Safety Alliance
March 13, 2009

1. Alliance Background
   
   Date Signed
   
   January 22, 2008
   
   Evaluation Period
   
   January 22, 2008 - January 21, 2009
   
   Overview

   Through the OSHA and Process Safety Alliance, OSHA, the American Chemical Society (ACS), American Chemistry Council (ACC), API, Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS, a technical alliance of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers), Chlorine Institute (CI), National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA), Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are focusing on providing the organizations’ members and the general public, including small businesses, with information, guidance, and access to training resources in the field of process safety including the management of chemical reactivity hazards. In particular, the Alliance focuses on the organizations working together to help prevent catastrophic explosions, fires, and the toxic releases, thereby protecting the employees, the manufacturing facilities, the environment and the public.

   Implementation Team Members
   
   OSHA:
   
   John E. Bugno - Office of Safety Systems, Directorate of Standards and Guidance (DSG)
   Lisa Long- Office of General Industry Enforcement, Directorate of Enforcement Programs
   Kathy Landkrohn- Office of Chemical Hazards-Metals (OCH-M), DSG
   Tony Mapes^*- Office of Outreach Services (OOSA), Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs (DCSP)
   Lisa Ramber- OOSA, DCSP
   Elizabeth (Bea) Way- OOSA, DCSP
   
   Process Safety Alliance: Jim Belke - EPA
   
   Scott Berge - CCPS
   Paul Butler - CCPS
   Ron Chittim - API
   David Dunlap - CI
   Kathy Franklin - EPA
   Tom Gibson - ACC
   Marta Gmurczyk - ACS
   Karen Haase - API
   Neal Langerman - Advanced Chemical Safety
   Sarah Mechum - SOCMA
   Laurie Miller - ACC
   Tim Overton - The Dow Chemical Company
   Russ Phifer - ACS
   Morgan Seuberling - SOCMA
   Tomaysa Sterling - ACC
   Lara Swett - NPRA
   Mike Walls - ACC

   ^*Tony Mapes serves as the Alliance Coordinator since January 22, 2008.

2. Implementation Team Meetings
   • February 5, 2008 Kick-off Implementation Team Meeting
   • March 6, 2008 Implementation Team Meeting
   • May 8, 2008 Implementation Team Meeting
   • August 11, 2008 Implementation Team Meeting
   • November 5, 2008 Implementation Team Meeting
   In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from the groups maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Alliance’s progress and results.
3. Results
   1. Events and Products
   • Training and Education Goals
    
   • Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs regarding process safety, including the management of chemical reactivity hazards, and to provide expertise in communicating such information to employers and employees in the industry.
   • Product

   Chemical Reactivity Hazards: Laboratory and Pilot Scale Recognition and Control Workshop

   Through the Alliance, OSHA and Process Safety Alliance members developed the workshop to provide participants with the knowledge and skill to screen processes for potential hazards, recognize when reactive hazards are present, and implement appropriate controls to reduce the risk of an incident associated with chemical reactivity hazards in laboratories and pilot plants. The workshop draws heavily on the Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards: A Workshop for Non-Chemists workshop, which was developed by CCPS for the OSHA and Chemical Reactivity Hazards Management Alliance.

   • Neal Langerman, Ph.D., Advanced Chemical Safety, presented the workshop during the reporting period on the following occasions:
     • April 30, 2008, Boston, Massachusetts, 25 attendees
     • May 1, 2008, Boston, Massachusetts, 20 attendees
     • May 13, 2008, Seattle, Washington, 45 attendees
     • July 2, 2008, Burlington, Vermont, 10 attendees
     • August 16, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 25 attendees
   • Deliver or arrange for the delivery of process safety courses.

   Deliver or arrange for the delivery of process safety courses. During the reporting period, the OSHA and Process Safety Alliance Implementation Team have 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 process safety 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 Alliance Partners' Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry, local emergency planning authorities, first responders, and the general public.

   Products

   Process Safety and OSHA Alliance Web page

   CCPS is continuing to update the Process Safety and OSHA Alliance Web page that is posted on the CCPS Web site. The Web page has links to resources that are under development as products of the OSHA and Process Safety Alliance.

   OSHA and Process Safety Alliance Web page

   OSHA is continuing to update the OSHA and Process Safety Alliance Web page that is posted on the OSHA Web site. The page includes the OSHA and Process Safety Alliance agreement, news releases, and information on activities and events.

   OSHA Safety and Health Topic Pages

   Representatives from Dow, CCPS, CI, EPA, and the American Chemical Society serve on the editorial boards of the following OSHA Safety and Health Topics pages, providing OSHA with their expertise and technical review:

   • Chemical Reactivity Hazards
     • Scott Berger, CCPS, New York, NY
     • Art Dungan, CI, Arlington, VA
     • Kathy Franklin, Chemical Engineer, EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Process Safety; Washington, DC
     • Neal Langerman, PhD, American Chemical Society, Advanced Chemical Safety, Inc., San Diego, CA
     • Kenan Stevick, Process Safety Technology Center, Dow; Midland, MI
   • Process Safety Management
     • Scott Berger, CCPS, Process Safety; New York, NY
     • George King, Process Safety Technology Center, Freeport, TX

   Print and Electronic Media

   Articles about the OSHA and Process Safety Alliance and OSHA’s compliance assistance resources have appeared in SOCMA’s ChemStewards, and NPRA’s The Green Room Report enewsletter. For more information on the articles, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.

   • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA’s or the Alliance Partners’ conferences and regional or local meeting, such as those attended by small businesses.

   CCPS Technical Steering Committee Web Conference, June 24, 2008, New York City, New York

   On June 24, 2008, Lisa Long, Chemical Engineer, Office of General Industry Enforcement, Directorate of Enforcement Programs, USDOL-OSHA, gave a presentation entitled, “OSHA Update: Proposed National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Petroleum Refining, Chemical Industry, and Combustible Dust” to 30 attendees during the Web conference.

   American Institute of Chemical Engineers Fourth Global Congress on Process Safety, April 7-9, 2008, New Orleans, Louisiana

   On April 7, 2008, Mark R. Briggs, Area Director, Region VI, Houston South, Texas Area Office, USDOL-OSHA, gave the keynote presentation to 400 attendees at the conference.

   • Share information among OSHA, EPA, and industry process safety professionals regarding the best practices or effective approaches developed by the Alliance Partners, and publicize results through outreach by Alliance Partners and through OSHA- or Alliance Partners-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and Web sites.

   Products

   “Best Practice Guide: Preventing Process Incidents Caused by Vehicular Impact”

   The OSHA and Process Safety Alliance Implementation Team began developing “Best Practice Guide: Preventing Process Incidents Caused by Vehicular Impact,” the best practice guide provides information on protecting chemical processing equipment from vehicular impact.

   “Best Practice Guide: Remote Isolation of Process Equipment”

   The OSHA and Process Safety Alliance Implementation Team began developing “Best Practice Guide: Remote Isolation of Process Equipment,” the guide provides information on remotely isolating process equipment that contains hazardous chemicals when there has been a loss of containment.

   Events

   SOCMA “Combustible Dust 2” Webinar, November 20, 2008

   On November 20, 2008, Guy R. Colonna, P.E., Assistant Vice President, Fire Protection Applications and Chemical Engineering, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a signatory of the OSHA and Safe Tank Alliance, gave a presentation on NFPA standards that deal with dust collection methods, explosion issues, and controlling dust build-up, and Dr. Vahid Ebadat, Chilworth Laboratories, gave a presentation on combustible dust assessment, conditions in which dust explosions can occur and ventilation methods to prevent dust build-up to 51 attendees during the Webinar

   SOCMA “Combustible Dust” Webinar, July 31, 2008

   On July 31, 2008, Harry White, Personal Safety Technology Leader, The Dow Chemical Company, gave a presentation on combustible dust best practices from an industry perspective, and Sanji Kanth, Safety Engineer, Office of General Industry Enforcement, Directorate of Enforcement Programs, USDOL-OSHA, gave a presentation on OSHA regulatory and enforcement activies to 91 attendees during the Webinar.

   • Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects on the identification and management of chemical reactivity hazards that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.

   During the reporting period, the OSHA and Process Safety Alliance Implementation Team have not started work on programs or projects to address this goal.

   National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goal

   • Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on issues including process safety to help forge innovative solutions in communities and the workplace or to provide input on process safety issues.

   2008 Drug-Free Work Week, October 20-26, 2008

   SOCMA joined with a number of other Alliance Program participants to support 2008 Drug-Free Work Week. Drug-Free Work Week is sponsored annually by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace Program, the week focuses on educating employers, employees, and the public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe and healthful workplace.

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

   SOCMA and CCPS joined with more than 50 other Alliance Program participants to support 2008 NAOSH Week. NAOSH Week, sponsored by the American Society of Safety Engineers, 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.  

   2. Executive Summary Through the Alliance Program, OSHA and the Process Safety Alliance organizations are working together to help prevent catastrophic explosions, fires, and toxic releases. In addition, the Alliance is focusing on developing training resources for the field of process safety to include chemical reactivity hazards. The positive relationship that the Process Safety Alliance members have developed over the last year has led to the development of the many programs and projects that the team is currently working on or has produced.
      
      For example, Process Safety Alliance members conducted the Chemical Reactivity Hazards: Laboratory and Pilot Scale Recognition and Control workshop, which provides participants with the knowledge and skill to screen processes for potential hazards, recognize when reactive hazards are present, and control measures that they could implement to reduce the risk of an incident associated with chemical reactivity hazards in laboratories and pilot plants.
      
      As part of their outreach efforts, SOCMA worked with OSHA to conduct two Webinars on combustible dust. In addition, Process Safety Alliance representatives are sharing their expertise with OSHA through participation on the editorial boards for the following Safety and Health Topics pages:
      • Chemical Reactivity Hazards
      • Process Safety Management
      Finally, Process Safety Alliance members and a number of Alliance Program participants supported 2008 NAOSH Week, May 4-10.
   3. Alliance Program Reach

      Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
      OSHA and Process Safety Alliance Web page on the OSHA Web site	3,678
      Process Safety and OSHA Alliance Web page on the CCPS Web site	Data not available
      OSHA Chemical Reactivity Hazards Safety and Health Topics Page	19,580
      OSHA Combustible Dust Safety and Health Topics Page	29,334
      OSHA Process Safety Management Safety and Health Topics Page	45,583
      OSHA Combustible Dust in Industry: Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions Safety and Health Information Bulletin	72,143
      January 22, 2008 - “SOCMA Joins with OSHA, Other Associations to Form Process Safety Alliance,” SOCMA Press Release	Data not available
      January 23, 2008 - “OSHA Announces New Alliance with Process Safety Group,” OSHA News Release	Data not available
      January 23, 2008 - “OSHA Announces New Alliance with Process Safety Group,” Earthtimes.org	Data not available
      January 23, 2008 - “New OSHA Alliance Focuses on Chemical Process Safety,” Industry News	Data not available
      January 23, 2008 - “OSHA Announces New Alliance with Process Safety Group,” RedOrbit	Data not available
      January 23, 2008 - “OSHA Announces New Alliance with Process Safety Group,” MarketWatch	Data not available
      January 24, 2008 - “Eight Entities Partner with OSHA to Promote Process Safety,” Occupational Health and Safety Magazine	Data not available
      January 24, 2008 - “OSHA Forms Alliance with Process Safety Group,” Petrochemical News	Data not available
      January 29, 2008 - “OSHA Announces New Alliance with Process Safety Group,” Safetec Chemical Compliance	Data not available
      January 31, 2008 - “OSHA Forms Process Safety Alliance,” BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter	Data not available
      February 10, 2008 - “OSHA Announces Alliance with Process Safety Group,” Arizona Emergency Response Commission	Data not available
      February 12, 2008 - “OSHA Announces Alliance with Process Safety Group,” ThomasNet Industrial Newsroom	Data not available
      March 7, 2008 - “OSHA Announces New Combustible Dust Safety and Health Topics Web Page,” NPRA’s The Green Room Report enewsletter	Data not available
      April 1, 2008 - “Refinery Blast Reinforces Calls for Process Safety,” Industry Week	Data not available
      April 1, 2008 - “OSHA Challenge Webinar,” SOCMA’s ChemStewards enewsletter	Data not available
      April 30, 2008 - “OSHA Provides New Fact Sheet to Improve Safety,” SOCMA’s ChemStewards enewsletter	Data not available
      May 7, 2008 - “Find Out How OSHA’s $afety Pays Program Can Work for You,” SOCMA’s ChemStewards enewsletter	Data not available
      June 10, 2008 - “SOCMA Members Encouraged to Participate in Drug-Free Work Week,” SOCMA’s ChemStewards enewsletter	Data not available
      July 8, 2008 - “Forklift Safety Message from the OSHA Alliance,” SOCMA’s ChemStewards enewsletter	Data not available
      TOTAL	170,318

4. Upcoming Milestones

   In the upcoming year, the OSHA and Process Safety Alliance Implementation Team will continue to work together to develop training resources in the field of process safety to include the management of chemical reactivity hazards and to help prevent catastrophic explosions, fires, and toxic releases. For example, through the Alliance, OSHA and Process Safety will finalize the following best practice guides:

    
   • Preventing Process Incidents Caused by Vehicular Impact
   • Remote Isolation of Process Equipment
   As part of the Alliance’s outreach efforts, Process Safety representatives will be joining with other Alliance Program participants to support 2009 North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, May 3-9, 2009. Process Safety representatives also will continue to provide OSHA their expertise in serving on the editorial boards of the Chemical Reactivity and Process Safety Management Safety and Health Topics page.
   
   Finally, OSHA personnel will staff an OSHA and Process Safety Alliance exhibit booth at the joint ACC and SOCMA GlobalChem Conference, April 6-8, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland to distribute OSHA compliance assistance materials and to answer attendees’ questions. In addition, OSHA staff will be making a presentation at the conference.
   
   Report prepared by: Tony Mapes, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, March 13, 2009

AGREEMENT RENEWING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
THE NATIONAL SHIPBUILDING RESEARCH PROGRAM

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) hereby renew the Alliance signed on July 15, 2003. OSHA and NSRP continue to recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American shipyards. Both groups are committed to sharing their collective expertise to help advance a culture of prevention while sharing best practices and technical knowledge. In renewing this Alliance, OSHA and NSRP recognize that OSHA's State Plan and 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 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 three times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. 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.
 

ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
and
Abbott
January 5, 2006

I. Alliance Background

Date Signed

September 10, 2003

Evaluation Period

September 10, 2004 - September 9, 2005

Overview

The OSHA-Abbott Alliance addresses developing information and increasing access to training resources in order to help improve the safety and health of employees in the healthcare industry. The Alliance focuses on a number of areas including, working with business schools to develop and integrate safety and health presentations and case studies into MBA level executive education seminars.

Implementation Team Members

II. Implementation Team Meetings

Although the OSHA and ADA Alliance implementation team had no formal implementation team meetings during the evaluation period, Jim Murphy and Mike Connors were in regular contact to discuss developing and publishing the OSHA and Abbott Alliance case studies and related PowerPoint® presentation, and participating in speeches and presentations about the case studies and related Alliance Program issues.

III. Results

1. Events and Products
   
   Training and Education Goals
    
   • Partner with business schools to develop and integrate safety and health presentations and business case study materials into MBA level executive education seminars.
     
     Center for Business and Public Policy (CBPP) of the McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University
     
     On April 4, 2005, OSHA and Abbott published eight case studies and a PowerPoint® presentation in collaboration the CBPP of the McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University. CBPP linked the final case studies and PowerPoint® presentation on its Web site.
   • Develop and incorporate materials into business school curricula that communicate the business value and competitive advantages associated with the implementation of comprehensive safety and health programs in the workplace.
     
     Occupational Safety and Health Case Studies
     
     On April 4, 2005, the OSHA and Abbott Alliance finalized eight case studies dealing with ergonomics, auto parts manufacturing general safety and health, offshore manufacturing plants, exposure limits, stadium construction, and fleet safety to communicate the business value and competitive advantage of having an effective safety and health program in the workplace. The case studies and a related PowerPoint® presentation are available on the OSHA and Abbott Alliance Web page and OSHA's Compliance Assistance Web page. In addition, the ergonomics-related case studies are linked to on OSHA's Ergonomics Safety and Health Topics page for use by business schools and others involved in workplace safety and health training and education. Response to this has been good, as this section on the web site has been getting about 300 hits a month.
   Outreach and Communication Goals
    
   • Speak, exhibit, or appear at conferences, local meetings, or other events such as OSHA's outreach events.
     
     Events
     
     Speaking
     
     National Manufacturer's Week Conference, Chicago, Illinois, March 7, 2005
     
     Howie Eberts, Assistant Regional Administrator, OSHA, Region V; Jim Murphy, Director of Global Crisis Management and Business Continuity Planning at Abbott, Abbott Park, IL; and Lee Anne Jillings, Director, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, OSHA presented on "The Business Case for Safety - Adding Value and Competitive Edge" to 10 attendees at the National Manufacturer's Week Conference on March 7, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois.
   Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals
    
   • Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on safety and health issues in the healthcare industry to help forge innovative solutions to hazards in the workplace.
     
     Strategies for Safety and Success in Long-Term Care, Decatur, Illinois, October 19, 2004, and Wheaton, Illinois, November 3, 2004
     
     Mike Connors, Regional Administrator, OSHA, Region V; Dana Root, Ergonomist, OSHA, Region V; Bob Leonard, Industrial Hygienist, OSHA, Region V, spoke at the Strategies for Safety and Success in Long Term Care to 74 representatives from long-term care facilities on October 19, 2004, in Decatur, Illinois, and to 131 representatives from long-term care facilities on November 3, 2004, in Wheaton, Illinois. The goal of the conferences was for participants to create and implement an ergonomic program in their long-term care facilities.
      
   • Work with stakeholders in the nursing home community to develop practical programs and processes for reducing injuries and illnesses.
     
     - No products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.
      
   • Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects related to safety and health business case studies that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
     
     - No products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.
     
     Other Products
     
     Motor Vehicle Safety Safety and Health Topics Page
     
     The following representative from Abbott serves on the editorial board of the Motor Vehicle Safety Safety and Health Topics Page, providing expertise and technical review:
      
     • Joe McKillips, Manager of Global Fleet Safety
     OSHA-Abbott Alliance Web page
     
     The OSHA-Abbott Alliance Web page features information on the products and activities of the Alliance and includes links to related documents, activities and events and milestones and successes. Links to the eight case studies and the PowerPoint® presentations were added to the Alliance Web page during the evaluation period. For information on the number of visits to the OSHA-Abbott Alliance Webpage, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.
     
     Print and Electronic Media
     
     Articles on the OSHA-Abbott Alliance have appeared in a number of printed and online publications, including: USNewswire, AvantResources, Safety Online, OSHA's Press Releases, Quick Takes and Alliance Quarterly Review. For more information on the articles, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.
2. Executive Summary
   
   Through the Alliance Program, OSHA and Abbott are working together to improve the safety and health of employees in the healthcare industry, and develop and integrate safety and health presentations and case studies into MBA level executive education seminars.
   
   The OSHA and Abbott Alliance reached out to members of the occupational safety and health community through a number of presentations, including at the Strategies for Safety and Success in Long Term Care held on October 19, 2004, in Decatur, Illinois, and on November 3, 2004, in Wheaton, Illinois. Alliance representatives also spoke at the 2005 National Manufacturers' Week Conference on March 7, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.
   
   Additionally, the OSHA and Abbott Alliance finalized eight cases and a related PowerPoint® presentation and posted them in a number of locations on OSHA's Web site, including the OSHA and Abbott Alliance Web page, OSHA's Compliance Assistance Web page and OSHA's Ergonomics Safety and Health Topics page. The case studies and PowerPoint® were developed collaboratively with the CBPP to be incorporated into business school curricula to communicate the business value and competitive advantage of having an effective safety and health program in the workplace. The case studies focus on a variety of industries and safety and health issues, including ergonomics, construction, auto parts manufacturing and fleet safety. For example, one case study describes how Blue Cross Blue Shield Rhode Island was able to reduce musculoskeletal disorders related to workers' compensation cases with lost workdays by implementing a new ergonomic program and increasing workstation evaluations. Several of the case studies focus on Abbott's implementation of safety and health programs in the areas of global safety and health, ergonomics, fleet safety and occupational exposure limits.
   
   Information about the Alliance is available on the OSHA Web site with links to related documents, activities and events, and milestones and successes on the OSHA and Abbott Web page. In addition, a representative from Abbott serves as a member of the editorial board of OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page for Motor Vehicle Safety. Through these online resources, OSHA and Abbott Alliance representatives provide members of the public with information about the Alliance and related compliance assistance tools and resources.
3. Alliance Program Reach

IV. Upcoming Milestones

In the upcoming year, OSHA and Abbott will renew their Alliance and continue to reach out to employees in the healthcare industry about occupational safety and health issues. Representatives from the Alliance will promote and publicize the safety and health case studies it developed for business schools and safety and health professionals. OSHA and Abbott representatives will identify forums to make presentations about how the case studies are effective tools for illustrating the business value of safety and health programs.

For example, Mike Connors will make a presentation at the World Safety Congress on September 20, 2005, in Orlando, Florida about the importance of making the business case for safety. His presentation will feature the OSHA and Abbott case studies. Mike Connors also will make presentations about the case studies at Chicago Joint Safety Days, in Chicago, Illinois, on September 29, 2005, to the Ohio Manufacturers Association in Columbus, Ohio, on October 25, 2005, and at the Honda Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 3, 2005. In addition, Mike Connors and Jim Murphy have agreed to make a presentation on the case studies at CBPP's Safety and Health Seminar, entitled "Engaging Tomorrow's Leaders in Safety and Health: The Case Study Approach," which will be held in at Georgetown University in Washington, DC in January 2006.

The OSHA and Abbott Alliance has also agreed to explore opportunities to develop additional case studies. The Alliance plans to develop a case study that describes the success of a foundry Partnership, which includes six foundries in OSHA's Region V's Area Office in Appleton, Wisconsin, labor unions and the Wisconsin Health Consultation Program. The Partnership's successes include substantial reductions in workplace injury and illness rates and increased awareness of ergonomics risks associated with the foundry product processes among employees and management. The foundries involved have also experienced significant savings from increased productivity and reduced workers' compensation costs.

OSHA also plans to create a Safety and Health Topics page on Making the Business Case for Safety and Health and will involve the OSHA and Abbott Alliance and a number of other Alliance Program participants in its development. Work on the Topics page will begin in early 2006. In addition, Abbott representatives will continue to serve on OSHA's Motor Vehicle Safety and Health Topics page.

Report prepared by: Elizabeth Sherfy, Alliance Coordinator, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, January 5, 2006.