The Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.
ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
March 11, 2005

I. Alliance Background

Date Signed.

3-11-03

Overview.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pittsburgh Area Office and the Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. (IWEA) aligned to foster and maintain an open line of communication with each other for the meaningful exchange of information on promoting OSHA compliance and Industry best practices in the Construction Industry.

Implementation Team Members

Bill Ligetti – Executive Director, IWEA
Bob SzymanskI - OSHA Pgh. AO AD
Frank Librich – OSHA Pgh AO Safety Team Leader
Bob Carroll – OSHA Pgh AO CAS

Evaluation Period

March 11, 2004 to March 11, 2005

II. Implementation Team Meetings

III. Events and Products

Training and Education

April 6, 2004 – Steel erection Training Course (Cross training)

Outreach and Communication

August 3, 2004 – Met with Ironworkers Union Representative at request of Bill Ligetti to discuss setting up a future cross training event.

Billl Ligetti and member company representatives called approximately twice a month for discussion on standards and policy information relating to their perspective work sites.

IV. Results

The information provided was well received. In addition, the number of phone calls received discussing various safety and health issues indicate employer representatives are becoming more open to have a meaningful dialogue for the exchange of information relating to safety and health issues at their construction sites.

Note: The individuals in attendance at each activity represent companies/union with many employees that would be directly effected by the safety and health information provided.

The working relationship between the Alliance Signatories has been very positive. The positive working relationship resulted in the Signatories signing an Alliance Renewal Agreement extending the Alliance per the Directive.

V. Upcoming Milestones

The Alliance is looking into future opportunities in providing information to affected parties through roundtable discussions and cross-training between OSHA, Employers, and Union Representatives. The Alliance signatories will continue to work together to address the safety and health needs of the affected parties. An Alliance Renewal Agreement was signed (3-4-05) extending the Alliance per the Directive.

RENEWAL AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
THE IRONWORKER EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA, INC.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Ironworker Employer Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. hereby renew the Alliance agreement signed on March 11, 2003. OSHA and the IWEA of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. continue to recognize the value of collaborative efforts to achieve workplace safety. OSHA and the IWEA of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. remain committed to cooperative and proactive efforts to advance workplace safety and health. In renewing this Alliance, OSHA and the IWEA of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. 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.

In addition, the implementation team will continue to meet on a regular schedule to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. OSHA will afford the opportunity for representatives of the Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association and the association of state Consultation Projects to participate as well.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years from the date of signing. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories and may be terminated for any reason with 30 days written notice from either signatory.
 
 

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
ALLENTOWN, PA AREA OFFICE
AND
LEHIGH CAREER & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. OSHA and LCTI hereby form an Alliance to provide LCTI students, staff members and others, including public and private volunteer members of the Occupational Advisory Councils (OAC) with information, guidance, and access to training resources in order to help protect the general health and safety of the LCTI campus and youth entering the workforce.

OSHA and LCTI will work together to achieve the following training and education goals:

• Develop training and education programs on safety and health issues, with specific emphasis on youth entering the work force.
   
• Develop workplace safety and health curricula that are tailored for the many trades that LCTI students are studying, including: food preparation, automotive and small engine repair, welding, electrical, carpentry, masonry, cosmetology, and security.

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

• Develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media, including electronic assistance tools and links from OSHA's and LCTI's Web sites.
   
• Speak, exhibit, or appear at LCTI conferences, local meetings, or other school events such as Educator Academy's and School-to-Career in-services.
   
• Deliver or arrange for the delivery of OSHA related presentations to address safety and health issues and for youth entering the workforce.
   
• Share information on LCTI's best practices, as jointly determined by OSHA and LCTI, with other career and technical schools within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's educational system and publicize the results through outreach by LCTI and through OSHA or LCTI developed training programs and materials.
   
• Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects that are addressed and developed through the Alliance.
   
• Encourage other career and technical Schools within Pennsylvania to build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues, within their respective schools and for the safety education of today's youth and tomorrow's workers.

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

• Raise others' awareness of and demonstrate their own commitment to workplace safety and health whenever LCTI administrators and leaders address groups.
   
• Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on youth entering the workforce issues to help forge innovative training and information materials.

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

An implementation team made up of representatives of both organizations will meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least quarterly to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years from the date of signing and will automatically be renewed annually thereafter. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories and may be terminated for any reason with 30 days written notice from either signatory.

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
PITTSBURGH AREA OFFICE (OSHA)
And the
PITTSBURGH REGIONAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
May 21, 2019

1. Alliance Background

   1. Date Signed

      May 17, 2004 Renewed: May 25, 2016

   2. Evaluation Period

      May 17, 2018 – May 17, 2019

   3. Overview

      The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pittsburgh Area Office and The Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council aligned to provide Council members, including youth apprentice workers, with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to the various hazards associated with the construction industry.

   4. Implementation Team Members

      OSHA

      Christopher Robinson – Area Director, Pittsburgh Area Office
      Robert Carroll – Compliance Assistance Specialist, Pittsburgh Area Office

      Alliance participant

      Tom Melcher – Business Manager, Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council
      Richard Stanizzo – Business Manager, Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council (Retired during the evaluation period)

2. Implementation Team Meetings

   • September 14, 2018
   • January 11, 2019
   • March 15, 2019
   • April 17, 2019

   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

   The following table summarizes the Alliance's activities in support of the goals in the Alliance agreement.

   Raising Awareness of OSHA's Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives: To share information on OSHA's National/Regional/Local Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process. To share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on hazards associated the construction industry 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 working with building trades unions and their apprenticeship schools to promote workplace safety through informational materials, discussions, meetings, organizational events, and training.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meeting Dissemination Speech/Presentation Training	The CAS visited each of the seventeen union apprenticeship schools to meet with the Apprenticeship Coordinators/Instructors. The unions represented are as follows: Ironworkers Local #3; United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local #37; IUPAT District Council #57; Cement Masons Local #526; Plasterers Local #31; Laborers District Council of Western PA; Sprinkler Fitters Local #542; Keystone-Mountain-Lakes Carpenters; Steamfitters Local #449; Insulators Local #2; Plumbers Local #27; Elevator Constructors Local #6; Boilermakers Local #154; Operating Engineers Local #66; Bricklayers and Allied Craft Local #9; Sheet Metal Workers Local #12; IBEW Local #5. CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructors. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to website training materials, focus four hazards, worker rights, common cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed. These meetings act as a forum to exchange safety and health technical information and best practices. The Apprenticeship Schools conduct and promote safety and health training to both apprentices and journeymen throughout the year.	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Recordkeeping Hazard Communication Oil & Gas Silica Workzone Safety Youth Workers (Union Apprentices)	21,000 (Total Members)
   Meeting Dissemination	Two Apprentice Information Committee Meetings - CAS attended/participated in the first meeting that focused on diversity in the building trades' workforce - primarily focused on getting women in the trades. Other government USDOL agencies that participated were from the Women's Bureau, EEOC, Office of Apprenticeship and an agency that promotes Veterans to hire. Information relating to workforce development was discussed and reviewed. CAS attended/participated in the second Apprentice Information Committee Meeting. Information pertaining to workforce development and education were discussed. PA Department of Labor and Industry Deputy Secretary discussed pre-apprenticeship programs and funding. In addition, Apprenticeship Coordinators provided report outs of their programs.	Workforce Diversity Workforce Development and Education	21,000 (Total Members)
   Training Dissemination	PA Governors Safety Conference - OSHA had an information booth. A variety of safety and health workshops were presented throughout the conference. Representatives from the Building Trades attended the conference	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Recordkeeping Hazard Communication Oil & Gas Silica Electrical	10
   Training Speech/Presentation Dissemination	IBEW #5 - The CAS and AD participated in presenting and discussing OSHA and worksite project information with a 2nd year electrical apprenticeship class.	Construction Electrical Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Youth Workers	12
   Training Speech/Presentation Dissemination	The IBEW Local #5 host the OSHA OTI Electrical Standards Training Course #3090 at their apprenticeship school. Along with OTI instructors, the instructors at the apprenticeship school conducted training sessions throughout the two-week course. The Pittsburgh Area Office AD and CAS opened the training with a welcome introduction, to include presenting information on the working relationship with the Building Trades through the Alliance.	Construction Electrical	15
   Exhibit Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	PA One Call Western PA Safety Day - Pittsburgh Area Office representatives staffed an information table and provided presentations on trenching/excavation. The staff provided handouts and answered a variety of question relating to excavation safety, construction standards, fall protection, heat stress, workers' rights and OSHA policies/procedures. Union member representatives participated and discussed issues and concerns relating to but not limited to OSHA policies/procedures, work zone safety, fall protection and excavation safety. In addition, the Operating Engineers had an information table.	Construction Fall Protection Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress Safety and Health Program/Systems Trenching/Excavation	100
   Other	Partnership Sites - The Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council supports and have craft workers from the various Trades Unions on two construction Partnership sites in the Pittsburgh Area Office Jurisdiction. The Business Manager for the Building Trades Council has signed in support of these partnership agreements. This evaluation period a new partnership construction project was signed.	Construction Safety and Health Program/Systems	500
   Training Speech/Presentation Dissemination	The Operating Engineers Local #66 hosted the Region III CSHO In-Service Training at their apprenticeship school. Along with Regional Staff providing various training sessions, the instructors at the apprenticeship school conducted two interactive training sessions on Crane Operations and Trenching.	Construction Oil and Gas Lockout/Tagout Silica Crane Operation Trenching	40
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	Ironworkers Local #3 - As part of the fall stand down, the CAS and AD presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to apprentices at the Ironworkers Local #3 Apprenticeship School. In addition, numerous specific questions on fall protection at the apprentices various jobsites were discussed. The apprenticeship instructors also participated in the training and Q&A.	Fall Prevention Construction Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	40
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	University of Pittsburgh - Fall Stand Down Event - OSHA, University, Fall Protection manufacturer/vendor and General Contractor representatives presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to union craft workers working at various construction projects at the University.	Fall Prevention Construction Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	170
   Training Dissemination	Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters - CAS and AD attended the Open House and Carpentry Skills Expo at the Carpenters Apprenticeship School. CAS and AD provided updated OSHA information and answered numerous questions relating to OSHA construction standards/policies/procedures throughout the day event. In addition, a fall protection equipment vender had an exhibit and presented information on fall prevention. The attendees at the event were construction safety and health professionals, construction company owners and managers, safety equipment venders, journeymen, apprentices, students from Vo-Tech schools, state and local politicians, and family members.	Construction Fall Prevention Worker Rights Safety and Health Programs/Systems Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress Young Workers (Union Apprentices and Vo-Tech Students)	850
   Dissemination	Region III "Focus Four Hazards" Campaign - Throughout this evaluation, the CAS has e-mailed the tool box talks on the Focus Four Hazards (Falls, Electrocutions, Struck by, Caught-in/between). The campaign was to raise awareness in the recognition, evaluation, and control of these hazards.	Construction Struck-By Hazards Electrocutions Caught-in/Between Fall Prevention	21,000 (Total Members)
   Dissemination	Throughout this evaluation period, the CAS has e-mailed six safety alerts on product defects relating to ladders, harnesses, hard hats, safety boots, safety switches, and a confined space rescue kit.	Fall Prevention Construction Electrical PPE Confined Space	21,000 (Total Members)
   Training and Education: To review or provide input on effective training and education programs for union workers, both journeymen and apprentices, and others regarding hazards associated with the construction industry and to communicate such information to constituent union workers and employers. To review or provide input on effective training and education programs for building trades unions to promote an understanding of workers' rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, the responsibilities of employers, and to communicate such information to union workers and employers.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meeting Dissemination Speech/Presentation Training	The CAS visited each of the seventeen union apprenticeship schools to meet with the Apprenticeship Coordinators/Instructors. The unions represented are as follows: Ironworkers Local #3; United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local #37; IUPAT District Council #57; Cement Masons Local #526; Plasterers Local #31; Laborers District Council of Western PA; Sprinkler Fitters Local #542; Keystone-Mountain-Lakes Carpenters; Steamfitters Local #449; Insulators Local #2; Plumbers Local #27; Elevator Constructors Local #6; Boilermakers Local #154; Operating Engineers Local #66; Bricklayers and Allied Craft Local #9; Sheet Metal Workers Local #12; IBEW Local #5. CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructors. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to website training materials, focus four hazards, worker rights, common cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed. These meetings act as a forum to exchange safety and health technical information and best practices. The Apprenticeship Schools conduct and promote safety and health training to both apprentices and journeymen throughout the year.	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Recordkeeping Hazard Communication Oil & Gas Silica Work Zone Safety Youth Workers (Union Apprentices)	21,000 (Total Members)
   Training Dissemination	PA Governors Safety Conference - OSHA had an information booth. A variety of safety and health workshops were presented throughout the conference. Representatives from the Building Trades attended the conference	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Recordkeeping Hazard Communication Oil & Gas Silica Electrical	10
   Training Speech/Presentation Dissemination	IBEW #5 - The CAS and AD participated in presenting and discussing OSHA and worksite project information with a 2nd year electrical apprenticeship class.	Construction Electrical Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Youth Workers	12
   Training Speech/Presentation Dissemination	The IBEW Local #5 host the OSHA OTI Electrical Standards Training Course #3090 at their apprenticeship school from Along with OTI instructors, the instructors at the apprenticeship school conducted training sessions throughout the two-week course. The Pittsburgh Area Office AD and CAS opened the training with a welcome introduction, to include presenting information on the working relationship with the Building Trades through the Alliance.	Construction Electrical	15
   Exhibit Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	PA One Call Western PA Safety Day - Pittsburgh Area Office representatives staffed an information table and provided presentations on trenching/excavation. The staff provided handouts and answered a variety of question relating to excavation safety, construction standards, fall protection, heat stress, workers' rights and OSHA policies/procedures. Union member representatives participated and discussed issues and concerns relating to but not limited to OSHA policies/procedures, work zone safety, fall protection and excavation safety. In addition, the Operating Engineers had an information table.	Construction Fall Protection Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress Safety and Health Program/Systems	100
   Training Speech/Presentation Dissemination	The Operating Engineers Local #66 hosted the Region III CSHO In-Service Training at their apprenticeship school. Along with Regional Staff providing various training sessions, the instructors at the apprenticeship school conducted two interactive training sessions on Crane Operations and Trenching.	Construction Oil and Gas Lockout/Tagout Silica Crane Operation Trenching	40
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	Ironworkers Local #3 - As part of the fall stand down, the CAS and AD presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to apprentices at the Ironworkers Local #3 Apprenticeship School. In addition, numerous specific questions on fall protection at the apprentices various jobsites were discussed. The apprenticeship instructors also participated in the training and Q&A.	Fall Prevention Construction Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	40
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	University of Pittsburgh - Fall Stand Down Event - OSHA, University, Fall Protection manufacturer/vendor and General Contractor representatives presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to union craft workers working at various construction projects at the University.	Fall Prevention Construction Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	170
   Training Dissemination	Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters - CAS and AD attended the Open House and Carpentry Skills Expo at the Carpenters Apprenticeship School. CAS and AD provided updated OSHA information and answered numerous questions relating to OSHA construction standards/policies/procedures throughout the day event. In addition, a fall protection equipment vender had an exhibit and presented information on fall prevention. The attendees at the event were construction safety and health professionals, construction company owners and managers, safety equipment venders, journeymen, apprentices, students from Vo-Tech schools, state and local politicians, and family members	Construction Fall Prevention Worker Rights Safety and Health Programs/Systems Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress Young Workers (Union Apprentices and Vo-Tech Students)	850
   Dissemination	Region III "Focus Four Hazards" Campaign - Throughout this evaluation, the CAS has e-mailed the tool box talks on the Focus Four Hazards (Falls, Electrocutions, Struck by, Caught-in/between). The campaign was to raise awareness in the recognition, evaluation, and control of these hazards.	Construction Struck-By Hazards Electrocutions Caught-in/Between Fall Prevention	21,000 (Total Members)
   Outreach and Communication: To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council conferences, local meetings, apprenticeship schools or other applicable events. o share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council good practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum) developed by the Participants.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meetings Speech/Presentations Exhibit Training Dissemination	All activities in previous sections apply (See Previous sections for reference)	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Small Business Oil & Gas Recordkeeping Temporary Workers Hazard Communication Electrical Silica Workzone Safety Youth Workers (Union Apprentices) Trenching/Excavation Workplace Violence/Suicides Opioid Addiction Employee Assistance Programs	See previous sections
   TOTAL			85,737

4. Evaluations

   The activities provided during this evaluation period were well received. The member representatives and the recipients of the safety and health outreach activities/communications found the information valuable in assisting them in promoting and improving their safety and health efforts at their construction jobsites.

   The individuals reached by the outreach activities/communication activities represent companies/unions with many employees/members that would be directly affected by the safety and health information provided. The working relationship between the Alliance Signatories and the feedback on the Alliance continues to be very positive

5. Upcoming Milestones

   The Alliance continues to look at future opportunities in providing information for affected parties. The Alliance Signatories will continue to work together to address the safety and health needs of the affected parties.

   Report Prepared by: Bob Carroll, CAS Pittsburgh Area Office

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
ALLENTOWN AREA OFFICE
LEHIGH VALLEY SAFETY COMMITTEE
A CONSORTIUM OF THE
AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY
NORTHAMPTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
January 13, 2014

1. Alliance Background

   Date Signed:

   December 12, 2011

   Date Signed:

   December 10, 2013

   Alliance Overview:

   The Lehigh Valley Safety Committee is a consortium of organizations including business, labor and community leaders, which was developed to enhance safety knowledge for labor, management, academia and government for those who work in and around the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. The United States Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USDOL/OSHA) alliance provides members and others with information, training, guidance and access to OSHA resources, that will help them reduce the potential for workplace injury and illness.

   Special Note: This Alliance has been in place since October 4, 2005 and has experienced various changes in its membership and leadership, however, the foundation and mission of the Alliance has been constant. Over this past year, the active participation of the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley has waned, in part due to a complete reorganization of the American Red Cross (and its many Chapters). Contact with the Chapter (American Red Cross) has been unsuccessful and as such no effort was made to have the organization renew (sign) the latest agreement. However, with the latest renewal, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) - Lehigh Valley Chapter has become a signatory member of this OSHA Alliance.

   Implementation Team Members (Principals)

   • Thomas Barnowski, Northampton Community College (NCC) - Chair
   • Lee Cunningham, West-Side Hammer Electric - Vice Chair
   • Heather Ehritz, NCC - Secretary
   • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local No. 375
   • Tyrone Reed, Alvin H. Butz, Inc.
   • Timothy Duncan, City of Allentown
   • Scott Parker, Brandenburg Industrial Service Company
   • Jennifer Kszak, NCC
   • Judith Rex, NCC
   • Karl Buesgen, Jr., Orlando Diefenderfer Electrical Contractor
   • Cynthia J. Mellen, PA/OSHA Consultation Program at Indiana University of PA
   • Bruce Everett - ASSE
   • Dominic Brignola - Global Loss Control - ASSE
   • Scott G. Shimandle, USDOL/OSHA - Allentown Area Office
   •  

2. Implementation Team Meetings/Activities

   • January 22, 2013 - Safety Alliance Committee meeting at Northampton Community College (NCC) - Lipkin Theatre (Bethlehem, PA)
   • February 5, 2013 - Outreach Event - "Leading Indicators" - presented by Timothy Knapp of Global Advanced Metals, followed by Safety Alliance Committee meeting at Northampton Community College (NCC) - Fowler Center (Bethlehem, PA)
   • March 12, 2013 - Outreach Event - "Stress Management" - presented by Timothy Duncan, City of Allentown, followed by Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC - Fowler Center
   • April 9, 2013 - Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC - Lipkin Theatre
   • May 14, 2013 - Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC - Lipkin Theatre, trial run for Workshop
   • May 16, 2013 - Outreach Event - "The Impact and Realities of a Workplace Fatality", multiple presenters - Federal and Local Responders, Insurance, Legal, Medical, and Private Employers at NCC - Lipkin Theatre
   • June 18, 2013 - Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC - Fowler Center
   • August 20, 2013 - Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC - Fowler Center
   • Sept. 17, 2013 - Outreach Event - "Globally Harmonized System" presented by Dominic Finocchio of Smooth-On Inc., followed by Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC - Fowler Center
   • Oct. 9, 2013 - Outreach Event - "Mid-Atlantic OSHA Training Institute Education Center" - presented by Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council representative - Frank Baxter of Skanska USA, followed by Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC -Fowler Center
   • Nov. 7, 2013 - Outreach Event - "Workplace Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Incident Management" - presented by John Kalynych, Lehigh County Special Operations Team Coordinator and Thomas Barnowski of NCC at NCC (College Center, Bethlehem, PA)
   • Dec. 10, 2013 - Renewal signing

    

3. Activities and Products

   Evaluation Period.

   December 11, 2011 through December 11, 2013.

   Alliance Activity.

   • Training and Education
     1. February 5, 2013 -"Leading Indicators". An overview of what most employers evaluate (lagging indicators), and why there is value in identifying, tracking and trending leading indicators. Good leading indicator management can aid in early detection and prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses. The presentation was conducted by the Timothy Knapp, Global Safety, Health, and Environmental Manager for Global Advanced Metals.
     2. March 12, 2013 - "Stress Management". This presentation focused on stress - causes and methods of reducing it! This discussion was facilitated by Timothy Duncan, Loss Control Manager for the City of Allentown.
     3. May16, 2013 -"The Impacts and Realities of a Workplace Fatality". This Workshop focused on the ramifications of a workplace fatality. The program included perspectives from internal and external response, regulatory organizations and legal bodies. The event then concluded with a panel discussion featuring individuals who have experienced workplace fatalities firsthand. (See Results Section below for additional information).
     4. September 17, 2013 - "Globally Harmonized System". An overview of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 2012 and its changes. Program was presented by Dominic Finocchio, Sr. Chemist for Smooth-On Inc.
     5. October 9, 2013 - "Mid-Atlantic OSHA Training Institute Education Center". An overview of the OSHA Ed Centers courses, programs, locations and trainers. Discussion led by Frank Baxter of Skanska USA and a member of the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council.
     6. November 7, 2013 - "Workplace Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Incident Management - Incident Command System for Business". This mini workshop was an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and took elements of the NIMS courses (#100 and #700) and was tailored for Business and Industry. This workshop was presented by John Kalynych, Lehigh County Special Operations Team Coordinator and Thomas Barnowski of NCC.
   • Outreach and Communication

     See comments above for Training and Education

   • Promoting the National Dialogue on Safety and Health

     No national events were held during this time frame. However, Northampton Community College (NCC) continues to post information on the OSHA Alliance and each of the upcoming free events on their website at www.northampton.edu. Through the Community Colleges Center for Business & Industry - Public Safety & Emergency Services - Corporate Safety, an independent page has been established for the Lehigh Valley Safety Alliance. All businesses and individuals who attend (or attended) NCC courses within the Corporate Safety Program are provided frequent updates to promote the events not only within the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, but also globally. Additionally, many of the members and attendees are affiliated with various other professional and business organizations, and pass these events along to their contacts. Associations include but are not limited to: the American Society of Safety Engineers - a new signatory member, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, Home Builders Associations, National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker Unions, Local Nos. 375 and 1600.

     Alliance Products.

     • Training and Education
     • Outreach and Communication
     • Promoting the National Dialogue on Safety and Health

     The products developed during this evaluation period include numerous PowerPoint presentations and curriculum (including lesson plans) for the "Impacts and Realities of a Workplace Fatality" and "Workplace Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Incident Management - Incident Command System for Business". The PowerPoint presentations were developed by each of the presenters, as well as flyers which were used to announce/register for these events. The curriculum (and corresponding lesson plans) were developed by NCC. At this time, these presentations have not yet been made available on a national level, unless an attendee or presenter either copied or shared their information with others - this information has not been requested or tracked.

4. Results

   A. The table below lists each of the outreach activities and the number of individuals reached during the reporting period. NOTE: The table below does not include the many meetings held over the last year and the numerous participants that benefitted from the varied safety and health discussions at each of the meetings (listed above in Section II - Implementation Team Meetings/Activities).

   Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
   Leading Indicators	25
   Stress Management	15
   Impacts and Realities of a Workplace Fatality	120
   Globally Harmonized System - HazCom 2012	30
   Mid-Atlantic OSHA Institute Training Education Center	14
   Workplace Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Incident Management - Incident Command System for Business	27
   TOTAL	231

   The "Impacts and Realities of a Workplace Fatality" event was noted in the DOL Newsletter, dated May 30, 2013. http://www.dol.gov/_sec/newsletter/2013/20130530.htm

   Preventing Workplace Fatalities

   Nearly 5,000 workers nationwide died in 2011 as a result of fatal injuries from work-related incidents. Examining the impact of workplace fatalities on businesses and communities was the focus of a full-day training session hosted by the Lehigh Valley Safety Committee earlier this month in Bethlehem, Pa. Approximately 125 professionals from regulatory agencies, law enforcement, business, labor and academia participated in a scenario simulating a workplace accident at a plant that resulted in employee fatalities, and also discussed proper responses and prevention. The training was developed through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's alliance with the Lehigh Valley Area Labor Management Council, which was established in 2005 to foster safer and more healthful workplaces.

5. Upcoming Milestones

   The Lehigh Valley Safety Committee is currently working on an all-day Safety Expo. This event will be held at the main campus of Northampton Community College, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and is scheduled to be held on May 15, 2014. Current plans are to have several training "tracks" including, PA Certified Safety Committee Training, HealthCare, Hazard Recognitions and Control, Emergency Planning and Environmental. The actual topics for each safety track had not yet been finalized.

   Efforts will continue to include a safety topic at each of the Safety Committee meetings.

Report Prepared by: Scott G. Shimandle, CAS Allentown Area Office

For more information, contact the Office of Outreach Services and Alliances at 202-693-2340 or go to www.osha.gov.

RENEWAL AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
THE PA/OSHA CONSULTATION PROGRAM
AND
THE PITTSBURGH BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
(AFL-CIO)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council hereby renew the Alliance agreement signed on May 17, 2004. OSHA and the Pittsburgh Construction Trades Council continue to recognize the value of collaborative efforts to achieve workplace safety. OSHA and the Pittsburgh Construction Trades Council remain committed to cooperative and proactive efforts to advance workplace safety and health. In renewing this Alliance, OSHA and Pittsburgh Construction Trades Council 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.

In addition, the implementation team will continue to meet on a regular schedule to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. OSHA will afford the opportunity for representatives of the Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association and the association of state Consultation Projects to participate as well.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years from the date of signing and will automatically be renewed annually thereafter. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories and may be terminated for any reason with 30 days written notice from either signatory.

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
Philadelphia Area Office
Philadelphia Area Office ~ American Mushroom Institute
December 21, 2011

1. Alliance Background
   
   Date Signed:
   
   September 28, 2007
   
   Date Renewed:
   
   October 27, 2009
   
   Alliance Overview:
   
   The AMI/OSHA Alliance goal is to develop and provide training and education programs for the mushroom growing industry to prevent falls and amputations, and to reduce or eliminate chemical, electrical and physical hazards. Other goals include the development and implementation of effective safety and health programs and providing expertise in communicating safety and health information to employers and employees. The Alliance continued to be productive and successful in the fourth year of the agreement.
   
   Implementation Team Members
   
   Committee Members:
    

   Eugene Richard – AMI/CAC	Chris Alonzo – Pietro Industries
   James Touey – OSHA CAS	James Howard – Country Fresh Mushroom
   Rick Wright – To – Jo Mushrooms	Sam Wilson – Needhams Mushroom Farm
   Russ Kilmer – To-Jo Mushroom *	Linda Messer – Country Fresh Mushroom
   Daniel Beltran – Masda Mushrooms	Saloman Ortiz – S & P Conveyors Inc.
   Eric Dunlap – Kaolin Mushrooms	Joanne Osborne – S & P Conveyors, Inc
   Richard Rush – Kaolin Mushroom*	Dan Leo – John C. Leo & Son
   John Hilliard – Securis	Leanna Verget – Oakshire Mushroom Farm*
   Randy Hertzler – Giorgi/Gaspari Mushroom	Rogelio Vivero Jr. – Warwick Mushroom *
   Bill Barber – Giorgi Mushroom	Robert Cantarera – John C. Leo & Son *
   Chris Buckley – Giorgi Fresh *	Anita Swayne – Swayne’s Inc*
   Guy Braxton – Giorgi Mushroom*	Jesus Juarez Jr.- Modern Mushroom *
   Peter Gray – Phillips Mushroom Farm	David Sampson – Country Fresh *
   Bill Green – Phillips Mushroom Farm	Monica Rocha – Country Fresh Mushroom
   Viviana Cordero – CnB Mushrooms *	Bob Dolinger – Bob Dolinger Hauling, Inc *
   Jerry Yeatman – C. P. Yeatman & Son	Joanne Osborne – S & P Conveyors Inc
   Erin Klotzbach - C.P Yeatman & Son*
   Meghan Klozbach- CP Yeatman & Son*

   
   
   Contributors:
    

   Albert D’Imperio – Area Director, OSHA Philadelphia Area Office

   Laura Phelps – President AMI

   Sara Manning – Mushroom News

   Jean Lonnie – AMI Consultant

   Don Needham – Chairman of CAC

   Ed Leo – Owner of John C. Leo & Son

   Dave Carroll – President of Giorgi Mushroom

   Neel Horst – Wells Fargo Insurance

   Jim Mooney – Regional Coordinator, USDOL Wage & Hour

   Ivette Vigano – Assistant District Director, USDOL Wage & Hour



2. Implementation Team Meetings
   
   Implementation Meetings held at the American Mushroom Institute facility located in Avondale (Kennett Square), PA.
   
   Fourth Year of Alliance- First Quarterly Meeting held on October 26, 2010 at the American Mushroom Institute’s facility in Kennett Square. Alliance accomplishments discussed and goals established for fourth year.
   
   Fourth Year of Alliance- Second Quarterly Meeting and training session held on January 20, 2011, at the American Mushroom Institute’s facility in Kennett Square.
   
   Fourth Year of Alliance - Third Alliance Quarterly Meeting held on, March 1, 2011 at the American Mushroom Institute’s facility in Kennett Square.
   
   Fourth Year of Alliance- Fourth Alliance Quarterly Meeting and training session held on June 16, 2011 at the American Mushroom Institute’s facility in Kennett Square.


3. Activities and Products
   
   Evaluation Period
   
   The evaluation covers the time frame of October 26, 2010 through October 27, 2011.
   
   Events and Products:
    
   • Training and Education
     
     On October 26, 2010, CAS provided a training session for the implementation team on OSHA’s Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) regulations and provided sample programs. Alliance subcommittee identified and assigned to develop a general Mushroom Industry LOTO program.
     
     January 20, 2011, CAS attended Implementation Meeting- Discussions included but not limited to: Industry Injury/Illness Data; Injury Illness Prevention Program (I2P2); OSHA Region III Most Frequently Cited Standards in General Industry.
     
     June 16, 2011- CAS attended Implementation Team Meeting –Topics included OSHA’s new National Office Campaign on Heat Stress. Publications and resource information was provided as well as an update on OSHA’s new Global Harmonized System, OSHA Data Initiative (ODI) as well as a discussion on OSHA’s Susan Harwood Grants.
     
     In addition to the Alliance Implementation Meetings, the AMI Alliance committee meets routinely on a monthly base to continue moving the Alliance agenda forward.
   
   
   • Outreach and Communication
      
     • On March 24, 2011, the AMI/OSHA Alliance conducted their Third Alliance General Meeting “Break-out Session”. Sixty-seven representatives for thirty-six Mushroom Industry employers were represented at the meeting. Topics for the full day event included presentations by the Area Director for OSHA Philadelphia Area Office (PHOA) “OSHA’s Perspective on the AMI Alliance – Past, Present and Future” as well as the PHAO Compliance Assistance Specialist who provided an OSHA Update covering OSHA’s “Strategic Targeting Initiative (2011)-SST Selection for Programmed Inspections” and “OSHA Inspection History and Most Frequently Cited Violations in the Mushroom Growing Industry”. Additional presentations were provided by AMI Implementation Team Members on: OSHA Recordkeeping, a look at the Mushroom Industry injury/illness experience and common mistakes during recordkeeping; “Mushroom Specific Generic Lock-Out Tag Out” a sample program for the industry” and “Safety Pays”, which focused on the financial benefit of workplace safety. Additionally, a representative for one of the Alliance Member Companies discussed a “Success Story” concerning a recently applied employee shoe policy, which produced fewer trips and falls for harvesters in the growing rooms while another member company summarized methods for accident investigations which can be utilized on mushroom farms.
     • In the last year the Alliance finalized a “Mushroom Industry” specific sample Lock-Out/Tag-Out Program (LOTO) and began developing additional Safety and Health Programs on Powered Industrial Trucks (forklift), Emergency Action Plans and Respiratory Protection. The LOTO program was the fifth programs developed and disseminated to the member companies in the four years of the agreement. Other sample programs include; Developing a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), Personal Protective Equipment, Pick Light Safety and Recordkeeping.
     • Communications between the AMI Alliance and OSHA continues throughout the year in the form of technical assistance and OSHA Updates that affect the mushroom growing industry. .Topics discussed in the past year included Global Harmonized System (GHS), LOTO, OSHA’s Multi-Employer Worksite Policy, Emergency Evacuation Plans, Heat Stress, Powered Industrial Truck safety, and Recordkeeping,
   • Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health
      
     • From October 2010 to October 2011, six additional articles were published by the Alliance members in the American Mushroom Institute’s National Monthly Magazine “Mushroom News”. These six articles were added to the twelve prior Alliance related articles printed since the initiation of the Cooperative Agreement.
     • October 2010 “Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)” John Hilliard OSHA Safety Committee Georgi Mushroom
     • October 2010 “Job Safety Analysis” Chris Alonzo OSHA Safety Committee Pietro Industries
     • October 2010 Reprint from OSHA’s National Office Published Region III Alliance Success Story “Philadelphia Area Office Alliance with American Mushroom Institute Trains Workers” Kate Becker Program Analysis, OSHA Office of Outreach Services and Alliances in the Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs
     • January 2011- “First Line of Defense” John Hilliard OSHA Safety Committee Georgi Mushroom
     • DOL and OSHA Alliance Draws Crowd – Sarah Manning – American Mushroom Institute/Editor Mushroom News
     • Reporting and Recording Occupational Injuries and Illnesses – Eugene Richard OSHA Committee Richards American Mushroom Institute
4. Results
   
   The Alliance continued to have success in the fourth year of the agreement. The implementation team has again continued to grown in the past year adding members representing several new companies who were not previously involved. As was with the first three years of the agreement, the Alliance group has continued to voluntarily provide individual company injury/illness data company. This statistical information, which has allowed the localized industry to share in their trends, has shown to be consistent from year to year and more statistically reliable for use. The continued gathering of this information will develop a measurable base-line for the industry employers to be compared to in future years. The Alliance group has developed several “Mushroom Industry” specific sample safety programs which have been disseminated amongst their member companies and have displayed interest in developing injury/illness case studies to be published in the future.
    

   Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
   AMI Alliance Group Training Session – Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)	16 Trained- Effecting 800 employees
   AMI Alliance Group Training Session– I2P2, Injury/Illness Trending, Most Frequently Cited Standards in  General Industry	21 Trained – Effecting 1000 employees
   AMI Alliance Group Training Session – Heat Stress, Global Harmonized System, OSHA Data Initiative, Susan Harwood Grant	17 Trained – Effecting 1000 employees
   Alliance General Meeting “Break-out Session”	67 Trained – Effecting 10,000 employees
   TOTAL : 4	121 Trained – Effecting approximately 12,000 employees

   
   The work of the group also has a major impact on the Mushroom industries’ Hispanic Workforce. It is estimated that 90% of the estimated 12,000 employee workforce in this industry are Hispanic.


5. Upcoming Milestones
   
   The focus of the Alliance’s fifth year is to continue to develop sample safety programs for the Mushroom Industry. The Alliance Group is on target to issue three additional sample programs in the next year. The group is in the process of developing industry specific sample Respiratory Protection Program, Powered Industrial Truck Program as well as an Emergency Response Plan. The Alliance also intends to develop a case study on injury and illness trends in the Mushroom Growing Industry utilizing the previously gathered AMI Member statistical information voluntarily gathered since the inception of the Alliance.
   
   The AMI Alliance will also be encouraging the individual industry employers to translate site specific safety programs into Spanish for their predominantly Latino workforce. In the next year, the Alliance Implementation Team plan on making these sample programs available through a link on the American Mushroom Institute’s website. Also, both parties are eager to renew the Alliance agreement.
   
   Report Prepared by: James Touey Compliance Assistance Specialist
   
   For more information, contact the Office of Outreach Services and Alliances at 202-693-2340 or go to www.osha.gov.

AGREEMENT RENEWING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
PITTSBURGH AREA OFFICE
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
THE PITTSBURGH REGIONAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES
COUNCIL
(AFL-CIO)
May 21, 2014

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pittsburgh Area Office and the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council, (herein after referred to collectively as “the Participants”); continue to recognize the value of maintaining a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. To that end, the Participants hereby renew the Alliance signed on May 17, 2004 and last renewed on May 25, 2012 with a continued emphasis on reducing and preventing exposure to hazards associated with the construction industry. Specifically, the Participants are committed to providing union members, including apprentice workers, and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers and understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). Through the Alliance, the Participants will continue to address hazards associated with the construction industry. In renewing this Alliance, the Participants recognize that OSHA’s State Plan and On-site Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.

Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following goals related to raising awareness of OSHA’s rulemaking and enforcement initiatives, as resources permit:

• To share information on OSHA’s National/Regional/Local Emphasis Programs, OSHA’s Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process.

• To share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.

• To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on hazards associated with the construction industry 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 working with building trades unions and their apprenticeship schools to promote workplace safety through informational materials, discussions, meetings, organizational events, and training.

Training and Education

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following training and education goals, as resources permit:

• To review and provide input on training and education programs for building trades union workers, both journeymen and apprentices, and others regarding hazards associated with the construction industry and to communicate such information to constituent union workers and employers.

• To review and provide input on training and education programs for building trades unions 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 union workers and employers.

Outreach and Communication

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals, as resources permit:

• To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA’s or the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council conferences, local meetings, apprenticeship schools or other applicable events.

• To share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council 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 from each Participant 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. The OSHA team members will include representatives of the Pittsburgh Area OSHA Office. 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 21st day of May, 2014.

The Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.
ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
March 17, 2009

1. Alliance Background
   
   Date Signed
   
   Original: 3-11-03 Renewal: 3-4-05 Renewal: 3-30-07 Renewal: 3-16-09
   
   Overview
   
   The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pittsburgh Area Office and the Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. (IWEA) aligned to foster and maintain an open line of communication with each other for the meaningful exchange of information on promoting OSHA compliance and Industry best practices in the Construction Industry.
   
   Implementation Team Members
   
   Bill Ligetti – Executive Director, IWEA
   Bob SzymanskI - OSHA Pgh. AO AD
   Frank Librich – OSHA Pgh AO Safety Team Leader
   Bob Carroll – OSHA Pgh AO CAS
   
   Evaluation Period
   
   March 14, 2008 to March 17, 2009
   
    
2. Implementation Team Meetings
    

   May 23, 2008	In-person	Greentree, PA
   September 4, 2008	Conference Call
   December 11, 2008	Conference Call
   January 15, 2009	In-person	Greentree, PA
   March 16, 2008	In-person	Greentree, PA

   
    
3. Events and Products
   
   Training and Education
   
   Outreach and Communication
   
   May 23, 2008 - Met with IWEA Executive Director and provided him with updated handouts on top twenty-five frequently cited standards out of our Region in the SIC applicable to his membership.
   
   June 3, 2008 – Pre-construction meeting with a safety representative from a contractor conducting steel erection/bridge work was held to review construction standards and interpretations addressing steel erection and fall protection issues.
   
   July 31, 2008 – The Pittsburgh Area Office e-mailed a safety alert on a defective mobile crane boom to the IWEA Executive Director. The Director distributed this alert to the membership by posting it on their website.
   
   December 11, 2008 - The Pittsburgh Area Office e-mailed a safety alert on a defective fall protection anchorage product to the IWEA Executive Director. The Director distributed this alert to the membership by posting it on their website.
   
   January 15, 2009 – Met with IWEA Executive Director and provided him with updated handouts on top twenty-five frequently cited standards in both construction and general industry to distribute to his membership. In addition, the CAS participated in reviewing and judging submitted packets on jobs that had no lost time accidents for upcoming safety recognition awards.
   
   February 23, 2009 – A construction information meeting relating to a connector issue at a high school stadium was conducted with the safety representative of a member company.
   
   March 2, 2009 - The Pittsburgh Area Office e-mailed a safety alert on an accident that occurred relating to a compressed gas welding activity to the IWEA Executive Director. The Director distributed this alert to the membership by posting it on their website.
   
   Billl Ligetti, IWEA Executive Director, and member company representatives have called throughout the year for discussion on standards and policy information relating to their perspective work sites.
   
    
4. Results
   
   The information provided was well received. In addition, Bill Ligetti, Executive Director, and his members who have called throughout the year indicated the information received from the Pittsburgh Area Office was very helpful in interpreting OSHA’s policies and standards as they related to their current construction activities.
    

   Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
   Three Website Safety Alert Posting	Approximately 1200 construction personnel would have access to this information
   Pre-Construction Meeting & Information Meeting	25
   Provided Frequently Cited Standards (For applicable SIC and for all Const. & GI in our Regional Area of Jurisdiction)	1200
   TOTAL 4	1225

   
    
5. Upcoming Milestones
   
   The working relationship between the Alliance Signatories has been very positive.
   
   Presently, the current representatives of the signatory parties plan on maintaining and continuing the Alliance. As a requested formality the signatory parties signed a renewal document on 3-16-2009.
   
   The Alliance is looking into future opportunities in providing information to affected parties through roundtable discussions, association website, and training sessions. The Alliance signatories will continue to work together to address the safety and health needs of the affected parties.
    

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
And the
Pennsylvania OSHA Consultation Program at Indiana University of PA
And the
Lehigh Valley Safety Committee
A Consortium of
Northampton Community College (NCC)
And
The American Society of Safety Engineers
(Lehigh Valley Chapter)

January 10, 2017

In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from OSHA and Northampton Community College maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Alliance’s progress and results.

1. Alliance Background

   1. Date Signed

      December 10, 2015

   2. Evaluation Period

      December 9, 2015 – December 15, 2016

   3. Overview:

      The purpose of this Alliance is to continue the efforts in assisting LVSC members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers and understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). Through the Alliance, the organizations will continue to address construction hazards, emergency preparedness and planning, hazard recognition and control programs, healthcare industry hazards and work and life wellness programs.

   4. Implementation Team Members

      OSHA

      Scott G. Shimandle

      Compliance Asst. Specialist, Allentown Area Office

      Alliance participant

      Thomas Barnowski

      Director Corporate & Public Safety, Northampton Comm. College

      Heather Ehritz

      Secretary, NCC

      Jennifer Kszak

      Center for Business and Industry, NCC

      Lee Cunningham

      Vice President – West Side Hammer Electric

      Cynthia J. Mellen

      Consultant, PA/OSHA Consultation Program at Indiana University of PA

      Dominic Brignola

      Global Loss Control - ASSE-Lehigh Valley Chapter rep.

      Kevin Kalman

      Security, Sands Casino and Hotel

      Jenelle Perich

      Administrator, KidsPeace

      Monica Flexer

      Environmental/Health/Safety Engineer, Wacker Chemical Corporation

      Linda Sanchez

      Loss Control Consultant, Risk Assist

2. Implementation Team Meetings

   • January 12, 2016
   • February 9, 2016
   • March 8, 2016
   • April 12, 2016
   • June 28, 2016
   • August 9, 2016
   • September 13, 2016
   • October 4, 2016
   • November 15, 2016
   • December 13, 2016

3. Results

   The following table summarizes the Alliance’s activities in support of the goals in the Alliance agreement.

   Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives: To share information on OSHA’s National/Regional/Local Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process. To share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on construction hazards, work and life wellness programs and emergency preparedness to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meetings Dissemination	Over the past year, at every meeting and outreach event, this CAS provided an update on OSHA initiatives (nationally, regionally and locally), standards, trends (injuries, fatalities, violations issued) and regulatory agenda.	Silica Confined spaces Falls Construction Temp. Workers Amputations Recordkeeping Haz. Comm	227
   Training and Education: To develop effective training and education programs for LVSC members and others regarding construction related hazards, emergency preparedness, healthcare industry hazards and work and life wellness programs, and to communicate such information to constituent employers and workers. To deliver or arrange for the delivery of such courses as: Emergency Preparedness, including National Incident Management System and Incident Command Systems; Healthcare industry hazards, including Bloodborne Pathogens and Ergonomic issues; Job Safety Analysis; Construction hazards; Personal Protective Equipment; and Safety Committee operations.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Training/Speech Presentation Meetings	January 12, 2016 – Functional Performance February 9, 2016 – NFPA 70E – PPE May 19, 2016 – Safety Expo (topics included: Safety Committee Operations, Aging Worker, Distracted Driving, Ergonomics, Incident Response, Drugs in the Workplace, Arc Flash hazards, Violent Intruder and Impaired Professionals) June 28, 2016 – Fall Protection Trends August 9, 2016 – Drug Free Workplace September 13, 2016 – Contractor Safety Management October 4, 2016 – Fall Protection Equip. November 15, 2016 – Holiday Safety December 13, 2016 – Emergency Action Plan and their Interface	Training Electrical Fleet Safety Safety Programs Ergonomics Workplace Violence PPE Construction Drugs in the Workplace Safety and Health Programs Construction General Safety Emergency Action	13 20 120 15 7 15 12 8 17
   Dissemination	Through the use of Corporate and Public Safety eNewsletter Northampton Community College and the Center for Business and Industry, continues to promote all of the various LVSC Alliance activities, update on OSHA regulations, OSHA guidelines, and any of the latest OSHA News Releases, as well as the multitude of safety/health training courses that are offered through NCC and the OSHA Training Institute (Mid-Atlantic).	Haz. Comm. Confined spaces Recordkeeping Active Shooter Fire Safety Safety Committees	500
   Outreach and Communication: To develop ways of communicating the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA’s and the LVSC’s, NCC’s and/or the American Society of Safety Engineers – Lehigh Valley Chapter’s local emails and newsletter) to employers and workers in the industry. To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA’s or LVSC meetings, local ASSE meetings, or other safety related events (e.g. Safety Expo V). To continue to work collectively on any newly identified or recognized safety and health issue or OSHA initiative, in an effort to improve workplace safety and health.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Training/Speech Presentation Meetings	In addition to the multitude of outreach activities and meetings listed above, efforts to promote this Alliance and its activities had been promoted with and through other outreach activities, including: CarePlex (Pottstown Hospital) ASSE – Lehigh Valley Chapter Numerous emails and phone conversations with various members and stakeholders	Haz. Comm. Recordkeeping Silica Confined spaces	25 20
   Dissemination	May 19, 2016 – Safety Expo V – booth exhibit		120
   TOTAL			772*

   *The Total Number Reached is conservative, as it does not include the activity of Dissemination of information at the Safety Expo, as this number has been captured in the Training and Education Activity, listed above.

4. Evaluations

   In summary, the activities (meetings and outreach events) that were provided during this evaluation period were very well received. However, the attendance continues to be a challenge as the meetings are held in the afternoon and some of the members have indicated it becomes difficult to attend when workplace activities warrant their attention, as most of the members are responsible for safety and health within their respective organizations.

   As survey was conducted (Nov./Dec) to look into the “attendance” challenge and as such the results indicated that 64% of the respondents could not get away from their office (as noted above) in the afternoon. The survey also solicited the primary reason for attending (or not), the days of the week to meet as well as time of day (morning, afternoon or evening). The overwhelming response to the primary reason to attend was the specific safety/health “topic”, which may need to be looked at to ensure that the topic(s) are relative and current. Although the day of the week was not a major concern (as long as it was a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday), the morning hours were slightly favored more (34%) than the afternoon (28%). As we move into the next evaluation period, efforts will be made to be mindful of the survey results and consider topics of presentation and possible modifications to time of meetings (switch from afternoon meetings to morning).

   The individuals reached by the outreach/communication activities represent various sized companies, unions, insurance agents and brokers, youth and family service centers, healthcare industry and temporary staffing agencies all of which have employees and/or members that would be directly affected by the various safety and health information that has been provided.

   The working relationship between the Alliance Signatories and the feedback on the Alliance continues to be very positive. Additionally, it should be noted that NCC is looking to extend the efforts and activities of this Alliance northeast Pennsylvania. Conversations had been had with the OSHA Area Office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania as well as a few community colleges and a local Safety Council. Although not directly related to this Alliance, this effort illustrates the success and working relationship developed with the stakeholders.

5. Upcoming Events/Milestones

   Efforts are currently being developed to hold a “Workplace Safety Literacy” seminar. Through member discussions there have been some concern that safety training programs are not effective and that comprehension of training is not evaluated. The initial concept of this workshop is to discuss the current training concerns including the cultural diversity and technological issues being used; to share some case studies and literature review of training literacy; discuss trends in literacy and special concerns for manufacturing and industrial settings; and finally to discuss and offer some possible solutions or best practices to enhance safety literacy and competency.

Report Prepared by: Scott G. Shimandle, CAS, Allentown Area Office