U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Atlanta Regional Office
61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Room 6T50
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(678) 237-0400; Fax (678) 237-0447

OSHA Training Institute Education Centers (OTIEC)
Region IV Alliance Annual Report
November 9, 2023

1. Alliance Background

   1. Date Signed
      September 29, 2015

      Renewal Date
      October 4, 2017
      October 7, 2022

   2. Evaluation Period:
      November 9, 2022, through November 8, 2023

   3. Overview:
      The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Atlanta Regional Office and the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers (OTIECS) in Region IV recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. The OTIEC Alliance is focused on providing students 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 health and safety hazards in the general and construction industries.

   4. Implementation Team Membership and Contributors
      The implementation team included representatives from the OSHA Regional Office and the OTIECS in Region IV.

      OSHA
      Americo Pagan, Assistant Regional Administrator for Cooperative and State Programs
      Kaylene Sherrod-Moore, Regional Program Analyst
      LeAnna Jackson, Training Administrator
      Tom Bosley, Regional Alliance Coordinator

      Region IV - OSHA Training Institute Education Centers (OTIECS)
      Sheryl Foucher, University of Alabama (UA) - OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC)
      Mylene Kellerman, University of South Florida (USF) - OTI Education Center
      Holli Singleton and Wendy Laing, North Carolina (NC) State University - Southeastern OTI Education Center
      Bryan Lane, University of Tennessee - Southeastern OTI Education Center
      Hilarie Warren, Georgia Tech - OTI Education Center
      Zach Rhodus and Trevor George, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) - OTI Education Center
      Joseph Small and Kristen Woodmore, Volunteer State Community College - OTI Education Center

2. Implementation Team Meetings

   During this period, the Alliance group conducted implementation team meetings virtually. The Alliance group also frequently communicated and coordinated via email.

   • January 17, 2023, FFSHC Forum (Zoom Meeting/Conference Call)
   • Alliance Implementation Team coordinated during the May 30 – June 2, 2023, DTE/OTIEC Meeting
   • July 26, 2023, Region IV - Fall NEP Webinar
   • September 27, 2023, region IV – Warehousing NEP Webinar
   • October 12, 2023 (MS Teams Meeting/Conference Call)

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 Type	Date	Description	Emphasis Area(s)*	Number Reached (numeric value)
   Dissemination	During this period: 11/2022 thru 11/2023	During this period, the OSHA Region IV Newsletter continued to include a quarterly feature known as "OTIEC Corner."	Construction, Ergonomic, Fall Prevention, Hazard Communication/Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, and Transportation	8,000 (circulation)
   Meeting/Information Session	01/17/2023	The Regional OTIEC Alliance group participated in the FFSHC Forum, virtual meeting, conducted by the OSHA Region Office.	Federal Workers, and Safety and Health Management System (SHMS)	30- attendee
   Dissemination	During this period: 11/2022 thru 11/2023	During this period, representatives from the Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) - OTIEC promoted the Alliance by staffing booths at the following conferences: Tennessee Safety and Health Congress & Expo in Nashville, TN, August 14 through 15, 2023. OSHA Region IV Voluntary Protection Program Participants Association (VPPPA) 2023 Safety and Health Excellence Conference in Orlando, Florida, September 18 through 19, 2023. National Safety Congress in Orleans, LA, October 23 through 24, 2023.	Construction, Fall Prevention, Hazard, Communication/ Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, as well as Safety and Health Management System (SHMS)	5,000+ Contacts
   Meeting/Information Session	During this period: 11/2022 thru 11/2023	During this period, representatives from the University of South Florida (USF) - OTIEC promoted the Alliance by participating in conferences and staffing booths throughout Florida. Additionally, all courses were offered in cooperation with the USF On-site Consultation Program: Confined Space in Construction seminar – this event focused on a wide range of construction related topics. Focus Four in Construction Seminar - This seminar focuses on the Fatal Four Hazards related to the construction industry. Global Excavation Safety Conference - supported an event booth to network, promote, and market OSHA training courses. 3rd Annual Southeastern Leadership Conference on Safety, Health + Sustainability -hosted a booth to market and promote safety and health training. Workplace Ergonomics Seminar - emphasis was placed on the applicable OSHA standards, compliance policies, and guidelines. 77th Workers Compensation Educational and 34th Safety and Health Conference - during this event the USF- OTIEC conducted the OSHA 10-hour course. Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association (FNGLA) conference - during this event the USF-OTIEC staffed a booth. VPPPA Conference – hosted a booth to market and promote workplace safety and health. Alliance for Central Florida Safety - during this event the USF-OTIEC staffed a booth. Florida Building Material Alliance - supported an event booth to network, promote, and market OSHA training courses.	Construction, Fall Prevention, Hazard, Communication/ Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, as well as Safety and Health Management System (SHMS)	100+
   Dissemination	During this period: 11/2022 thru 11/2023	The Southeastern OTIEC at North Carolina State University (NCSU) continued to use its newsletter to promote OSHA's campaigns and initiatives using its bi-monthly newsletter the "Safety Guardian." The newsletter is disseminated to employers and workers across North Carolina, including Federal Field Safety and Health Council (FFSHC) members.	Construction, Ergonomic, Fall Prevention, Hazard Communication/Chemical, Heat	6,000 (circulation)
   Dissemination	During this period: 11/2022 thru 11/2023	The University of South Florida OSHA Training Institute Education Center (USF OTIEC) continued to use its monthly newsletter to promote OSHA's campaigns and initiatives and share Region 4 occupational safety and health news. The newsletter is disseminated to employers and workers in the public and private sectors across Region IV.	Construction, Ergonomic, Fall Prevention, Hazard Communication/Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, and Transportation	6,000 (circulation)
   Dissemination	During this period: 11/2022 thru 11/2023	The Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) - OTIEC distributed a monthly newsletter to stakeholders, including members of the Middle Tennessee - FFSHC. Areas of emphasis include upcoming training events, OSHA success stories, OSHA recruitment efforts, as well as regional and national emphasis programs.	Construction, Fall Prevention, Hazard, Communication/ Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, as well as Safety and Health Management System (SHMS)	10,000 (circulation)
   Dissemination	During this period: 11/2022 thru 11/2023	During this period, representatives from the University of Alabama (UA) - OTIEC promoted the Alliance by staffing booths at the following conferences: Region IV – American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) on April 26 – 27, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, AL Regional Association of Women in Construction, May 18 to 20, 2023, in Montgomery, AL. Exhibit Booth, ASSP National Conference, June 5 thru 8, 2023, San Antonio, TX. Exhibit Booth, Alabama Governor's Safety and Health conference, August 28 thru 30, 2023.	Construction, Fall Prevention, Hazard, Communication/ Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, as well as Safety and Health Management System (SHMS)	1,000+

   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.

   Activity Type	Date	Event Name	Representative Name(s) and Affiliation(s)	Title Of Presentation (if applicable)	City	State	Emphasis Area(s)*	Number Reached (numeric value)
   Training/ Meeting	11/10/2022	North Alabama FFSHC - Virtual meeting	The first meeting conducted by the newly formed North Alabama – FFSHC was supported by the University of Alabama (UA) – OTIEC. During the event officers were selected and future meeting were scheduled.	Initial FFSHC Meeting	Huntsville	AL	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	15 Attendees
   Training/ Meeting	11/17/2023	Louisville and Middle Tennessee FFSHCs	The Georgia Mental Health Alliance group conducted a presentation for the Louisville and Middle Tennessee – FFSHCs. The presentation focused on the efforts of the Alliance group to address workplace mental health issues and concerns.	Mental Health in the Workplace Presentation	Louisville Middle Tennessee	KY TN	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	30- attendees
   Training/ Meeting	02/2023	Louisville FFSHC - Virtual meeting	Fire Chief, James Bastin, provided the group with a presentation focused on Life Safety and Fire Protection. This training event was coordinated by the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) – OTIEC.	Life Safety and Fire Protection	Louisville	KY TN	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	30 Attendees
   Training/ Meeting	5/16/2023	North Carolina FFSHC - Virtual meeting	An instructor from North Carolina State University (NCSU) – OTIEC conducted a presentation for the council, which was focused on workplace mental health.	Workplace Mental Health	Raleigh	NC	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	17 - Attendees
   Training/ Meeting	March 2, 2023 March 3, 2023 June 12, 2023	Georgia Tech Safety Seminars	During this period, the Georgia Tech - OTIEC conducted the following free seminar courses focused on warehousing and supply chain: Transitioning to safer chemicals Health Hazard Awareness 7005 - Public Warehousing and Storage	Warehousing and supply chain	Atlanta	GA	General Industry, Ergonomic, Fall Prevention, Hazard Communication/Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, and Transportation	10 attendees 5 attendees 5 attendees Total: 20 attendees
   Training/ Meeting	6/14/2023	Atlanta FFSHC, Safety Day Event (Invitation made to all the FFSHCs in Region IV)	Georgia Tech OTIEC supported the Atlanta- FFSHC annual Safety Day event, which focused on Mental Health and Safety this year.	Mental Health and Safety	Atlanta	GA	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	180 Attendees
   Training/ Meeting	7/20/2022	Mississippi Gulf Coast FFSHC Meeting	The University of South Florida (USF) OTIEC provided training on radiation safety and health for the council.	Radiation Safety	Gulfport Jackson	MS MS	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	15 - Attendees
   Training/ Webinar	7/26/2022	National Emphasis Programs for Falls	The UA, EKU and NCSU – OTIEC presented during the July 26, 2023, Fall NEP Webinar coordinated by OSHA Region IV. Approximately 700 participants attended this Webinar.	Falls NEP	Throughout Region IV	AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN	Construction, Ergonomic, Fall Prevention, Hazard Communication/ Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, and Transportation	700 - Attendees
   Outreach/ Dissemination	8/15/2023	Atlanta-FFSHC	The Atlanta-FFSHC served as an exhibitor at the ONE ATL Safety, Security and Risk Management Conference. This annual event is conducted by the Atlanta Airport Safety Department, which is an associate member of the Atlanta-FFSHC.	Focused on Safety and Operational Awareness	Atlanta	GA	Federal Workers, Safety and Health Programs, Hazard Communication/ Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, and Transportation	40+ Visitors at Exhibit Booth
   Training/ Meeting	8/17/2023	Virtual meeting Louisville - FFSHC	Dr. Troy Rawlins, EKU - OTIEC, conducted a presentation on Bloodborne Pathogen and Needle Sticks.	Bloodborne Pathogen and Needle Sticks	Louisville	KY	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	13 attendees
   Training/ Meeting	8/24/2023	South Florida FFSHC meeting	Georgia Tech OTIEC supported the South Florida FFSHC meeting. The presentation provided by Georgia Tech OTIEC was focused on the "OSHA Recommended elements for a successful safety and health management system."	OSHA Recommended elements for a successful safety and health management system	Ft. Lauderdale	FL	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	15 - Attendees
   Training/ Meeting	9/16/2022	North Carolina FFSHC meeting	The US Navy safety office conducted a presentation on its hazard reporting and tracking system for the North Carolina –FFSHC. The meeting was also supported by the Southeastern OTIEC at NCSU.	Hazard Reporting and Tracking System	Raleigh	NC	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	15 - Attendees
   Training/ Presentations/ Meeting	During this period: 11/2022 - through 11/2023	OSHA's Fall Prevention Campaign and National Safety Month	During this period, the representatives from the USF - OTIEC supported OSHA's campaigns and initiatives with the following activities (all courses were offered in cooperation with the USF On-site Consultation Program): Workers Memorial Day - offered complimentary OSHA# 7500 course, Intro to Safety and Health Management. National Fall Prevention Stand-Down (English) - offered complimentary OSHA# 7405 course – Fall Hazard Awareness for the construction industry. National Fall Prevention Stand-Down (Spanish) - offered complimentary OSHA# 7405 course – Fall Hazard Awareness for the construction industry. Heat Stress Safety Summit - heat illness awareness and prevention, as well as OSHA's guidance were addressed during this summit, which was conducted in Wesley Chapel and Miami, FL. Trench Safety Stand-down - Offered OSHA# 7410 course – Managing Excavation and Trenching Operations. Safe + Sound campaign - offered complimentary OSHA# 7500 - Intro to Safety and Health Management.	OSHA’s Campaigns and Initiatives	Virtually Wesley Chapel Jacksonville Olando Miami	FL	Construction, Ergonomic, Fall Prevention, Hazard Communication/Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, and Transportation	133 Attendees
   Training/ Meeting	During this period: 11/2022 – through 11/2023	OSHA's Fall Prevention Campaign and National Safety Month	During this period, the representatives from the Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) - OTIEC supported OSHA's campaigns and initiatives with the following activities: All safety and health courses were discounted during June 2023 in support of National Safety Month. OSHA course #7500, Safety and Health Management was also offered free. OSHA course #3115, Fall Prevention, was discounted and OSHA course 7405, Fall Hazard Awareness, was offered free in support of OSHA's National Fall Prevention Stand-Down.	OSHA’s Campaigns and Initiatives	Gallatin/ Nashville	TN	Construction, Small Business, and Trenching	102 - total attendees
   Training/ Meeting	During this period: 11/2022 –through 11/2023	OSHA's Fall Prevention Campaign and National Safety Month	During this period, the University of Alabama (UA) - OTIEC promoted OSHA's campaigns, initiatives, and stand-downs in the following manner: The UA – OTIEC promoted the National Fall Stand-Down using social media. Additionally, the National Fall Stand-Down was promoted by conducting the OSHA 3155 training course. Safe + Sound Campaign: Conducted four sessions of the "Intro to Safety and Health Management" Course Suicide Prevention and awareness campaign: Hour presentation in each OSHA 500 training course Trenching and Excavation Stand-Down: Conducted four sessions of the OSHA 7410 course, "Managing Excavation/Trenching Operations" Emergency/ Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery: conducted two sessions of the OSHA 7105 course, "Evacuation and Emergency Response"	OSHA's Campaigns and Initiatives	Tuscaloosa	AL	Construction, Small Business, Ergonomic, Fall Prevention, Hazard Communication/Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, and Transportation	30 Attendees 63 Attendees 83 Attendees 28 Attendees 16 Attendees Total: 220 Attendees
   Training/ Meeting	9/20/2023	Mississippi Gulf Coast FFSHC Virtual Meeting	The USF - OTIEC provided training focused on Fire Prevention and Emergency Action Plans for the FFSHC members.	Fire Prevention and Emergency Action Plans	Gulfport Jackson	MS MS	Federal Workers and Safety and Health Programs	20 attendees
   Training/ Meeting	9/27/2023	Warehousing NEP Webinar	The Georgia Tech – OTIEC presented during the July 26, 2023, Fall NEP Webinar coordinated by OSHA Region IV. Approximately 700 participants attended this Webinar.	Warehousing NEP	Throughout Region IV	AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN	General Industry, Ergonomic, Fall Prevention, Hazard Communication/Chemical, Heat Illness Prevention, and Transportation	500 attendees

   Report prepared by Tom Bosley, Region IV Alliance Coordinator, Atlanta Regional Office

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
BATON ROUGE AREA OFFICE
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
THE LOUISIANA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION, LOUISIANA LOGGING COUNCIL

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Baton Rouge Area Office and The Louisiana Forestry Association, Louisiana Logging Council recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. To that end, OSHA and The Louisiana Forestry Association, Louisiana Logging Council hereby form an Alliance to provide The Louisiana Forestry Association, Louisiana Logging Council members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety or workers, particularly by reducing and preventing exposure to workplace hazards in the logging industry. This will be accomplished by addressing fall, electrical, struck by and caught in or between hazards, equipment operation hazards, environmental hazards and other safety issues, and understanding the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

Through the Alliance, The Louisiana Forestry Association, Louisiana Logging Council 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 workplace safety for employers and workers.

OSHA and The Louisiana Forestry Association, Louisiana Logging Council recognize that OSHA's State Plan 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 advancement of common goals.

This agreement provides a framework and objectives for the Alliance's activities. Alliance participants will summarize specific activities and timeframes for completion in written work plan.

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:

• 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 the logging industry site hazard recognition in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
• To encourage worker participation in workplace safety and health by ensuring that workers understand their right to work in a safe and healthful workplace and that safety is everyone's responsibility.

Training and Education

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

• To develop effective training and education programs for logging personnel and industry contract workers and non-English or limited English speaking employees regarding fall hazards, equipment operation hazards, chemical hazard communication and to communicate such information to constituent employers and workers.
• To develop effective training and education programs for logging personnel and industry contract workers and non-English or limited English speaking employees 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.

Outreach and Communication

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

• To develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to develop ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA's and The Louisiana Forestry Association and the Louisiana Logging Council's Web sites) to employers and workers in the industry.
• To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or The Louisiana Forestry Association and the Logging Council conferences, local meetings, or other special events.
• To share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding The Louisiana Forestry Association and the Logging Council's good practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum) developed by the participants.
• To work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects on logging industry that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
• To develop and disseminate case studies on logging industry and publicize their results.

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

An implementation team made up of representatives of each organization will meet to develop a work plan, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least two times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. OSHA team members will include representatives of the Region VI Baton Rouge Area and any other appropriate offices. OSHA will encourage State Plan States and OSHA On-site Consultation Projects' participation on the team.

This agreement will remain in effect for three 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 12th day of September, 2023