Region 7 - Alliance Agreement - December 6, 2023


Region 7 - Alliance Agreement - December 6, 2023

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE 
BETWEEN 
KANSAS CITY AND SAINT LOUIS AREA OFFICES 
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 
AND 
MISSOURI ON-SITE SAFETY AND HEALTH CONSULTATION PROGRAM 
AND 
MISSOURI COMMON GROUND ALLIANCE (MCGA)

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Kansas City, and Saint Louis Area Offices, Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, and the Missouri Common Ground Alliance (MCGA) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safety and health practices and programs to improve American workplaces. To that end, OSHA, Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, and the MCGA hereby form an Alliance to provide employers and employees conducting excavation work with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect workers by reducing and preventing exposure to safety and health hazards related to trenching activities in the construction industry. Throughout this alliance, OSHA, Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, and MCGA will work in a cooperative manner to disseminate information related to 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 also agree to meet the "Fundamental Requirements for OSHA Alliance Program Participants" and the "Guidelines for OSHA's Alliance Program Participants: Alliance Products and Other Alliance Projects."

Through the Alliance, the organizations will use available 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, including but not limited to member surveys, to evaluate the Alliance and measure the impact on improving workplace safety and health. In developing this Alliance, OSHA and MCGA recognize that OSHA's State Plan and Missouri On-Site Consultation Program 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: Outreach and Communication

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following objectives:

  • Share information on OSHA's National/Regional/Local Initiatives (Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, Outreach), and opportunities to participate in initiatives and the rulemaking process.
  • Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers particularly through MCGA and MO 811 One Call Meetings.
  • Develop information on the recognition and prevention of safety and health hazards during trenching activities and communicate such information to MCGA and MO 811 One Call members. Ensure information developed encourages and reflects the diversity of the workforce and is accessible in multiple languages and formats.
  • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA, Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, and MCGA conferences, local meetings, or other events.
  • Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on excavation and trench safety to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.
  • MCGA will share information with OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding MCGA Board's best work practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
  • Encourage worker participation in workplace safety and health through the MCGA Annual Conference.
  • Collaborate with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects on trench safety.
  • MCGA will share case studies on excavation mishaps and publicize their results in the MCGA's website.
  • Encourage MCGA members to build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices, and Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program to address health and safety issues, including trenching and excavation safety.
Training and Education

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following objectives:

  • MCGA will develop effective training and education programs for their members regarding identification, prevention, and control of potential trenching and excavation hazards. Also, MCGA is responsible to communicate this information to constituent employers and workers. Ensure training materials/programs are made available in appropriate languages and formats to equitably meet the needs of their target audiences. OSHA will be providing technical guidance, information, and compliance assistance to MCGA.
  • MCGA will develop effective training and education programs for MCGA members to promote understanding of workers' rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, and the responsibilities of employers, and to communicate such information to workers and employers. Also, MCGA will ensure training materials/programs are made available in appropriate languages and formats to equitably meet the needs of their target audiences.

OSHA's Alliances provide organizations an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as raising awareness of OSHA's initiatives, outreach, communications, training, and education. These Alliances have proven to be valuable tools for both OSHA and Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with an organization, OSHA is not endorsing or promoting, nor does it intend to endorse or promote, any of that organization's products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of each organization will meet one to 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 Kansas City and Saint Louis Area Offices, Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation, and any other appropriate offices. OSHA will encourage State Plans' 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 written concurrence of both signatories.

Signed this 6 day of December 2023.


Karena Lorek 
Area Director 
Kansas City Area Office 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Mark Woodward 
President 
Missouri Common Ground Alliance


William McDonald, CSP 
Area Director 
Saint Louis Area Office 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Roy Crouch 
Vice President 
Missouri Common Ground Alliance


Daniel Stark, CIH, CSP 
Assistant Director/ Program Manager 
Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program

Region 4 - Alliance Annual Report - November 24, 2023


Region 4 - Alliance Annual Report - November 24, 2023

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT 

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 
and 
the Department of the Navy, Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) 
And 
The International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), 
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), 
and National Association of Aeronautical Examiners (NAAE) unions Alliance 

November 24, 2023


  1. Alliance Background
    1. Date Signed:

      December 4, 2013, and renewed December 3, 2019

    2. Evaluation Period

      November 22, 2022, through November 24, 2023

    3. Overview:

      The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Area Office in Raleigh, North Carolina (Raleigh Area Office), the Department of the Navy – Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), and the National Association of Aeronautical Examiners (NAAE) unions formed an Alliance to provide union members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers, particularly by reducing and preventing exposure to prevalent aircraft maintenance hazards and heat illnesses, as well as hazards unique to the Navy aircraft maintenance environment.

    4. Implementation Team Members

      OSHA

      Kim Morton, Occupational Safety and Health, Area Director, Raleigh NC

      Alliance participant

      Owens, Angelo C angelo.c.owens.civ@us.navy.mil (Safety Director, FRCE) 
      Snow, Brian A brian.a.snow1.civ@us.navy.mil (Safety Director, Deputy FRCE) 
      Cruz, Elisel elisel.cruz.civ@us.navy.mil (VPP Coordinator) 
      Cruz, Anthony M anthony.m.cruz1.civ@us.navy.mil (Fall Protection Manager 
      Brown, Rory rory.s.brown2.civ@us.navy.mil (Union) President, IAW&AW Local 2297 
      Walker, Scott A scott.a.walker62.civ@us.navy.mil (Union) President, IAW&AW Local 1859 
      Fiesler, Robert N robert.fiesler.civ@us.navy.mil (Union) President, AFGE Local 451 
      Murphy, Christopher M christopher.m.murphy7.civ@us.navy.mil (Union) Pres., NAAE Local 2 
      Walker, Bryan D bryan.d.walker2.civ@us.navy.mil (Union) Vice President, AFGE Local 2065

  2. Implementation Team Meetings

    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

    Dissemination: Alliance Program participant shared information on OSHA-developed or OSHA Alliance Program-developed tools and resources, OSHA standards/rulemakings, enforcement, or outreach campaigns.

    Dissemination
    Dissemination TypeDateDescriptionEmphasis Area(s)*Number Reached (numeric value)
    Dissemination/ Presentation/ PlanningFY 2023 thru FY 2024During this evaluation period, the Alliance group promoted OSHA's Safe + Sound Campaign.Safety and Health Management, and Federal WorkersN/A
    Dissemination/ Presentation/ PlanningFY 2023 thru FY 2023During this evaluation period, the Alliance group promoted OSHA's National Fall Prevention Stand-Down.Safety and Health Management, Federal Workers, and Fall PreventionN/A
    Dissemination/ PresentationFY 2023 thru FY 2024During this evaluation period, the Alliance group promoted OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Campaign.Safety and Health Management, Federal Workers, and Heat Illness PreventionN/A

    Outreach Events and Training for non-OSHA Staff: Alliance Program participant or OSHA participation in events, which includes speeches/presentations, exhibits, roundtables, conferences, informational webinars or other meetings or training in support of the Alliance or an OSHA initiative.

    Outreach Events and Training for non-OSHA Staff
    Activity TypeDateEvent NameRepresentative Name(s) and Affiliation(s)Title Of Presentation (if applicable)CityStateEmphasis Area(s)*Number Reached (numeric value)
    Training5/27/22Atlanta- FFSHC Annual Safety Day EventSeveral PresentersThe Alliance group support the Atlanta- FFSHC Annual Safety Day Event. The event was promoted Region-wide and addressed a numerous health and safety topics.Virtual – Region WideAL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TNSafety and Health Management, Federal Workers, Mental health, Active Shooter, and Hazard Communication/Chemicals25
    Training3 May 2023Fall Prevention Stand-downAnthony Cruz, Fall Prevention ManagerThe Alliance group supported OSHA's 2023 National Prevent Falls Stand-Down.Cherry PointNCSafety and Health Management, Federal Workers, and Fall Prevention102
    Training9 Jun 2023Heat Illness Prevention Stand-DownAngelo Owens, Safety DirectorThe Alliance group supported OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Stand-DownCherry PointNCSafety and Health Management, Federal Workers, and Heat Illness Prevention3,039
    Training7-13 August 2023OSHA Safe + SoundElisel Cruz, Program AnalystThe Alliance group supported OSHA's OSHA Safe + SoundCherry PointNCSafety and Health Management, and Federal Workers2,862
    Training16 May 2023North Carolina – Field Federal Safety and Health Council (FFSHC) Virtual MeetingsPresenter from the NCSU – OTIEC, in support the Regional OSHA/OTIEC AllianceThe Alliance group supported the North Carolina – Field Federal Safety and Health Council (FFSHC) quarterly meeting. The meeting's topic was the prevention for the Mental Stress in the WorkplaceState-WideNCSafety and Health Management, and Federal Workers30
    Training3 Aug 2023Annual FRCE Safety Stand-downAngelo Owens, Safety DirectorThe Alliance group supported the FRCE Safety Stand-Down. The guest speaker for the event was Mr. Kyle Ketchum, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Safety). The event featured the following: safety videos; Safety Award Presentation; and Safety Product Vendors.Cherry PointNCSafety and Health Management, and Federal Workers3,962

Report prepared by: Kim Morton, Area Director, OSHA Raleigh Area Office

Partnership #1321 - Agreement - December 6, 2023

Partnership #999 - Agreement - December 7, 2023

Region 8 - Alliance Agreement - November 6, 2023


Region 8 - Alliance Agreement - November 6, 2023

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE   
BETWEEN   
BILLINGS AREA OFFICE   
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION   
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR   
AND   
MARSH MCLENNAN AGENCY NORTHWEST REGION

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Billings Area Office and the Marsh McLennan Agency Northwest Region (MMA NWR) recognize the value of maintaining a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. To that end, OSHA and MMA NWR hereby form an Alliance to provide the over 10,000 MMA NWR clients and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers. Alliance participants will focus on reducing and preventing exposure to the hazards associated with various industries and tribal entities, including host/temporary workers, health care, transportation, construction, warehousing, agriculture, and education. Alliance activities will also help employees 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 identifies objectives for the Alliance's activities. Alliance participants agree that activities associated with this Alliance will meet the "Fundamental Requirements for OSHA Alliance Program Participants" and the "Guidelines for OSHA's Alliance Program Participants:  Alliance Products and Other Alliance Projects."

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 MMA NWR 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.

Outreach and Communication

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

  • Share information on OSHA's National/Regional/Local Initiatives (Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and Outreach), and provide opportunities to participate in initiatives and the rulemaking process.
  • Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
  • Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings to address hazards associated with host/temporary workers, health care, transportation, construction, warehousing, agriculture, and education, help forge innovative safety and health solutions in the workplace, and provide input on relevant safety and health issues such as:
    • Falls (from heights)
    • Non-English-speaking Workforce
    • Climate Change and its Health and Safety Impacts
    • Construction
    • Emergency/Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
    • Healthcare
    • Occupational Infectious Diseases
    • Small Business
    • Temporary Workers
    • Trenching and Excavation
    • Warehousing and Package/Parcel Delivery
    • Teen and Young Workers
    • Whistleblower Protections
    • Workers' Rights
  • Encourage worker participation in workplace safety and health by participating in annual conferences, National Safety Stand-Downs, and Workers Memorial Day.
  • Develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards and identify and implement ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA's and the MMA NWR's websites) to employers and workers in the industry.
  • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or MMA NWR's conferences, local meetings, or other National Safety Stand-Down events such as the Stand Up for Grain Safety initiative.
Training and Education

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following training and education objectives for MMA NWR Employees, who may disseminate and share the information. with their stakeholders:

  • Develop effective training and education programs to address common workplace hazards associated with the health care, transportation, construction, warehousing, agriculture, and education industries.
  • Develop effective training and education programs for MMA NWR's 750 employees regarding the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards associated with the industries with whom MMA NWR does business.

OSHA's Alliances provide organizations 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 proven to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering an Alliance with an organization, 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, the implementation team 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 Billings Area Office and any other appropriate offices. OSHA will encourage the Montana Department of Labor and Industry to participate on the team as well.

This agreement will be in effect from November 2023, through November of 2025. 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 6th day of November 2023


Art Hazen   
Area Director   
Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Date


Pat McCarthy MS-IH   
Sr. Risk Control Specialist   
Marsh McLennan Agency Northwest Region


Date

Kansas City Region - Alliance Renewal Agreement (Spanish) - November 14, 2023


Kansas City Region - Alliance Renewal Agreement (Spanish) - November 14, 2023

ARREGLO QUE ESTABLECE UNA ALIANZA 
ENTRE
LA OFICINA REGIONAL DE KANSAS CITY Y LAS OFICINAS DE ÁREA DE
KANSAS CITY, ST. LOUIS, Y WICHITA DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD
Y SALUD OCUPACIONAL DEL DEPARTAMENTO DEL TRABAJO DE LOS
ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA
Y
EL CONSULADO DE MÉXICO EN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

La Oficina Regional de Kansas City y las Oficinas de Área de Kansas City, de Saint Louis, y Wichita, Kansas de la Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (OSHA) del Departamento del Trabajo de los Estados Unidos de América y el Consulado de México en Kansas City, Missouri, en adelante denominamos conjuntamente los "Participantes";

RECONOCIENDO el compromiso conjunto de proteger los derechos de los trabajadores mexicanos en los Estados Unidos; reconocidos en la Carta de Arreglo entre la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos y la Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional del Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos de América relativa a las Protecciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Lugar de Trabajo Aplicables a los Trabajadores Mexicanos en los Estados Unidos, firmada en Washington, D.C., el 2 de septiembre de 2021; y

RECONOCIENDO que el Programa de Alianza de la OSHA prevé el establecimiento de relaciones de cooperación para fines tales como la capacitación y la educación, difusión y comunicación, y para promover un diálogo nacional sobre la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo;

Se proponen establecer una Alianza para lograr lo siguiente:

Objetivo General

Los Participantes tienen la intención de establecer una relación de colaboración para proveer a los nacionales mexicanos y a otros en Kansas y Missouri, información, orientación y acceso a recursos de capacitación y educación para promover los derechos de los trabajadores a la protección de su seguridad y salud ocupacionales, y para ayudarlos a entender la ley nacional de los Estados Unidos de América sobre los derechos de los trabajadores y las responsabilidades de los empleadores al amparo de la Ley de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacionales (OSH Act).

Capacitación y Educación

Los Participantes tienen la intención de trabajar conjuntamente para lograr los siguientes objetivos de capacitación y educación:

  • Elaborar programas de capacitación y educación para los empleadores y los trabajadores mexicanos en Missouri y Kansas sobre la seguridad y la salud en el lugar de trabajo.
  • Elaborar programas de capacitación y educación para los empleadores y los trabajadores mexicanos en Missouri y Kansas a fin de promover el entendimiento de los derechos de los trabajadores y las responsabilidades de los empleadores al amparo del OSH Act, incluyendo el uso del procedimiento de quejas de OSHA.
Difusión y Comunicación

Los Participantes tienen la intención de trabajar conjuntamente para lograr los siguientes objetivos de difusión y comunicación:

  • Elaborar información sobre el reconocimiento y la prevención de riesgos en el lugar de trabajo, y formular mecanismos para comunicar dicha información (por ejemplo, por medios impresos y electrónicos, herramientas de asistencia electrónica y enlaces al sitio Web de la OSHA desde el sitio Web del Consulado), a los nacionales mexicanos que trabajan en Missouri y en Kansas y a sus empleadores.
  • Dar discursos, realizar exposiciones o presentarse en las conferencias, reuniones locales u otros eventos de los Participantes.
  • Participar en las actividades y los eventos del "Consulado Móvil".
Promoción de un Diálogo Nacional

Los Participantes tienen la intención de trabajar conjuntamente para lograr los siguientes objetivos relacionados con la promoción de un diálogo conjunto sobre la seguridad y la salud en el lugar de trabajo:

  • Dar a conocer y demostrar el compromiso con la seguridad y la salud en el lugar de trabajo y los derechos de los trabajadores siempre que los funcionarios principales de los Participantes se dirijan al público.
  • Convocar o participar en foros, debates en mesas redondas o reuniones de interesados principales sobre cuestiones que afectan a los nacionales mexicanos que trabajan en Missouri y Kansas para ayudar a forjar soluciones innovadoras sobre cuestiones relativas a la seguridad y la salud en el lugar de trabajo, y el entendimiento los derechos de los trabajadores y las responsabilidades de los empleadores al amparo del OSH Act.

Un grupo de implementación, integrado por representantes de cada Participante, tiene la intención de reunirse para elaborar un plan de acción, determinar los procedimientos de trabajo y establecer las funciones y responsabilidades de los Participantes. Además, los Participantes tienen el propósito de reunirse por lo menos tres veces al año con fines de seguimiento e intercambio de información sobre las actividades y los resultados en torno al logro de los objetivos de la Alianza.

Nada de lo dispuesto en el presente Arreglo compromete a los Participantes a erogar recursos.

Este Arreglo puede iniciarse una vez firmado por los dos Participantes. El presente Arreglo puede durar dos (2) años a partir de la fecha de su firma. El Participante que tenga la intención de dar por terminado el presente Arreglo procurará notificar por escrito al respecto con treinta (30) días de antelación. El presente Arreglo podrá modificarse por escrito en cualquier momento mediante el consentimiento mutuo de los Participantes.

Firmado en Kansas City, Missouri, en duplicado, el día 14 de Noviembre de 2023, en los idiomas inglés y español.

POR LA OFICINA REGIONAL DE KANSAS CITY DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD Y SALUD OCUPACIONAL
DEL DEPARTMENTO DEL TRABAJO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA


Billie Kizer, MPH, CSP
Regional Administrator

POR EL CONSULADO DE MÉXICO EN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI


Soleih Padilla Mayer
Head Consul

POR LA OFICINA DE KANSAS CITY
DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD Y SALUD OCUPACIONAL
DEL DEPARTMENTO DEL TRABAJO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA


Karena Lorek
Area Director

POR LA OFICINA DE ÁREA SAINT LOUIS
DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD Y SALUD OCUPACIONAL
DEL DEPARTMENTO DEL TRABAJO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA


William McDonald, CSP
Director de Área

POR LA OFICINA DE ÁREA WICHITA
DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD Y SALUD OCUPACIONAL
DEL DEPARTMENTO DEL TRABAJO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA


Todd Underwood
Director de Área

Kansas City Region - Alliance Renewal Agreement - November 14, 2023


Kansas City Region - Alliance Renewal Agreement - November 14, 2023

ARRANGEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE 
BETWEEN 
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 
KANSAS CITY REGIONAL OFFICE AND THE KANSAS CITY, SAINT LOUIS, AND 
WICHITA AREA OFFICES 
AND 
THE CONSULATE OF MEXICO IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Kansas City Regional Office and the Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wichita Area Offices and the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City, Missouri (the Consulate), hereinafter referred to collectively as "the Participants;"

RECOGNIZING the joint commitment to protect workers' rights for Mexican workers in the United States; acknowledged in the Letter of Arrangement between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor of the United States of America and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States concerning Workplace Safety and Health Protections Applicable to Mexican Workers in the United States, signed at Washington, D.C., on September 2, 2021; and

RECOGNIZING that OSHA's Alliance Program provides for the establishment of cooperative relationships for purposes such as training and education, outreach and communication, and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health;

Intend to form an Alliance to achieve the following:

Overall Objective

The Participants intend to establish a collaborative relationship to provide Mexican Nationals in Missouri and Kansas, and others information, guidance, and access to education and training resources to promote workers' rights in protecting their occupational safety and health, and to help them understand U.S. domestic law on the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

Training and Education

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following training and education goals:

  • To develop training and education programs for Mexican workers and Mexican employers in Missouri and Kansas regarding workplace safety and health.
  • To develop training and education programs for Mexican workers and Mexican employers in Missouri and Kansas to promote understanding of workers' rights and responsibilities of employers under the OSH Act, including the use of the OSHA complaint process.
Outreach and Communication

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

  • 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 links to OSHA's Web site from the Consulate's Web site) to Mexican Nationals working in Missouri and Kansas their employers.
  • To speak, exhibit, or appear at the Participants' conferences, local meetings, or other events.
  • To participate in "Mobile Consulate" activities and events.
Promotion of a National Dialogue

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting a joint dialogue on workplace safety and health:

  • To raise awareness of and demonstrate commitment to workplace safety and health and workers' rights under the OSH Act whenever leaders from the Participants address groups.
  • To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on issues affecting Mexican Nationals working in Missouri and Kansas to help forge innovative solutions on issues concerning workplace safety and health and understanding of workers' rights and responsibilities of employers under the OSH Act.

An implementation team made up of representatives of each Participant intends to meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the Participants. In addition, the Participants intend to meet at least three times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance.

Nothing in this Arrangement commits the Participants to the expenditure of any funds.

This Arrangement may commence upon signature by both Participants. This Arrangement may continue for two (2) years from the date of signing. A Participant should endeavor to provide thirty (30) days advanced written notice of its intent to discontinue the Arrangement. This Arrangement may be modified in writing at any time by mutual consent of the Participants.

Signed at Kansas City, Missouri, in duplicate, this 14 day of November 2023, in the English and Spanish languages.

FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 
KANSAS CITY REGIONAL OFFICE


Billie Kizer, MPH, CSP 
Regional Administrator

FOR THE CONSULATE OF MEXICO 
IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI


Soleih Padilla Mayer 
Head Consul

FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 
KANSAS CITY AREA OFFICE


Karena Lorek 
Area Director

FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 
SAINT LOUIS AREA OFFICE


William McDonald, CSP
Area Director

FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 
WICHITA AREA OFFICE


Todd Underwood
Area Director

Region 7 - Alliance Agreement - November 15, 2023


Region 7 - Alliance Agreement - November 15, 2023

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE 
BETWEEN 
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 
REGION VII, KANSAS CITY, OMAHA, SAINT LOUIS, AND WICHITA 
AREA OFFICES 
AND 
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Region VII, Kansas City, Omaha, Saint Louis, Wichita Area Offices, and the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA), recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safety and health practices and programs to improve American workplaces. To that end, OSHA and NAHCA hereby form an Alliance to provide employers and employees in the healthcare industry with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect workers by reducing and preventing exposure to safety and health hazards. Through this alliance, OSHA and NAHCA will work in a cooperative manner to disseminate information related to 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. NAHCA members, that consist of 30,000 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) working in 500 nursing homes in 50 states including the District of Columbia agree to meet the "Fundamental Requirements for OSHA Alliance Program Participants" and the "Guidelines for OSHA's Alliance Program Participants: Alliance Products and Other Alliance Projects."

Through the Alliance, the organizations will use available 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, including but not limited to member surveys, to evaluate the Alliance and measure the impact on improving workplace safety and health. In developing this Alliance, OSHA, and NAHCA recognize that OSHA's State Plan and On-Site Consultation Program 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: Outreach and Communication

The participants intend to work together to achieve the following objectives:

  • Share information on OSHA's National/Regional/Local initiatives (Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and Outreach), and opportunities to participate in initiatives, and the rulemaking process.
  • Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
  • Develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and communicate such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA and NAHCA websites) to employers, and workers in the healthcare industry. Ensure information developed encourages and reflects diversity of workplaces and is accessible in multiple languages and formats.
  • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA and NAHCA conferences, local meetings, and other events.
  • Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on safety and health hazards in the healthcare industry to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
  • Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding NAHCA's good industry practices and effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
  • Share safety and health information with CNAs of all experience levels in a language they understand and encourage them to report any unsafe working conditions and behaviors to their workplace safety committee and supervisors.
  • Encourage NAHCA staff members to build relationships with OSHA's Regional, and Area Offices to address health and safety issues in the healthcare industry.
Training and Education

OSHA will provide technical support and health and safety information to NAHCA members as they work to achieve the following objectives:

  • Develop effective training and education programs for CNAs and their employers regarding identification, prevention, and control of potential safety and health hazards such as but not limited to slips, trips and falls, ergonomic hazards, workplace violence, mental health/ suicide prevention, and biological and chemical hazards. Ensure training materials/programs are made available in appropriate languages and formats to equitably meet the needs of the target audiences.
  • Develop effective training and education programs to promote understanding of workers' rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, and the responsibilities of employers to communicate such information to workers. Ensure training materials/programs are made available in appropriate languages and formats to equitably meet the needs of the target audiences.
  • Develop effective training and education programs for CNAs of all experience levels, including young workers, to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses by encouraging the reporting of near-misses and unsafe working conditions and behaviors to workplace safety committees and supervisors. Ensure training materials/programs are made available in appropriate languages and formats to equitably meet the needs of the target audiences.

OSHA's Alliances provide organizations an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as raising awareness of OSHA's initiatives, outreach, communications, training, and education. These Alliances have proven to be valuable tools for both OSHA and Alliance participants. By entering an Alliance with an organization, OSHA is not endorsing or promoting, nor does it intend to endorse or promote, any of that organization's products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of each organization will meet one to 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 Region VII, Kansas City, Omaha, Saint Louis, and Wichita Area Offices. OSHA will encourage State Plans' and OSHA On-Site Consultation program 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 written concurrence of all signatories.

Signed this 15th day of November 2023.


Billie Kizer 
Regional Administrator, Region VII 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Lori Porter 
Chief Executive Officer 
National Association of Health Care Assistants


Karena Lorek 
Area Director 
Kansas City Area Office 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Matt Cantrell 
Chief Operations Officer 
National Association of Health Care Assistants


Bill McDonald 
Area Director 
Saint Louis Area Office 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Todd Underwood 
Area Director 
Wichita Area Office 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration