OSHA SIGNS ALLIANCE WITH LOCAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GROUP

OSHA and The Greater Ozarks Chapter of Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers Form Alliance

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Providing training on safety and health management systems to employers and employees and sharing best practices to prevent employee exposure to workplace hazards is the focus of an alliance between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Greater Ozarks Chapter of Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (GOCACHMM). The Alliance signing ceremony will be held Friday, September 29, in Springfield, Mo.

OSHA alliances are a part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao’s effort to improve the health and safety of workers. OSHA has created more than 350 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

During the two-year alliance, OSHA and GOCACHMM will work together to provide members and other small businesses with information and guidance to help them protect workers’ safety and health and increase access to information and training resources. The alliance will assist in training and education programs on safety and health management systems, the prevention of accidents, accident investigation and analysis, job safety, first aid and other topics.

“This cooperative effort is designed to foster a culture of prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses,” said Barbara Theriot, OSHA area director in Kansas City, Mo. “Joining with the Greater Ozarks Chapter of Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers in this effort will lead to safer workplaces,” said Bill McDonald, OSHA area director in St. Louis, MO.

The alliance also will promote and encourage participation in OSHA’s cooperative programs. These include compliance assistance, safety and health consultation programs, the Voluntary Protection Program and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

EVENT: OSHA and The Greater Ozarks Chapter of Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers Alliance Signing

DATE AND TIME: Friday, Sept. 29, 2006; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDT

LOCATION: Café at the Courtyard by Marriott, 3527 West Kearney, Springfield, Mo.