The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the State of Wisconsin On-Site Consultation Program and the Wisconsin Council of Safety have entered into a new statewide alliance to reduce and prevent exposure to workplace hazards.
The alliance was signed by OSHA area offices in Eau Claire, Appleton, Madison and Milwaukee. The OSHA Health Consultation Program, Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, joined in the initiative, which will remain in effect for three years.
"This alliance provides us a means to help increase safety and health awareness and protect employees in all types of workplaces," said Madison OSHA Area Director Kimberly Stille.
A key element of the alliance is to provide Wisconsin Council of Safety members with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them further worker health and safety. Training and education programs on health and safety will be developed to improve awareness of OSHA regulations and effective safety and health management systems. The alliance also affords an opportunity to share information on best safety practices of Wisconsin Council of Safety member worksites with others in the industry.
The three alliance members will work together to develop and communicate information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards to employers and employees. They will also participate at conferences and public forums to share information and help forge innovative solutions to improve safety and health in the workplace.
Another goal of the alliance is to promote and encourage participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, and OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, and to increase employer knowledge of the Wisconsin On-site Consultation Program.
OSHA alliances, part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao's ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of workers, provide an opportunity to cooperate with OSHA on training and education, outreach and communication, and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health. OSHA has created more than 350 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.