OSHA, N.Y. manufacturers association renew alliance

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has renewed its alliance with the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) to help enhance safety and health in central New York's manufacturing industries.

Originally announced in May 2004, a fundamental goal of the alliance has been to help manufacturers, particularly smaller ones, develop and implement their own safety and health management systems. Under the alliance, large manufacturing businesses with in-house safety departments and safety and health managers have partnered with and mentored smaller businesses that could not otherwise afford the same level of safety and health resources.

"This is a successful, cooperative effort to help develop world-class safety and health programs in manufacturing facilities in central New York," said Patricia K. Clark, OSHA's regional administrator.

"Through this alliance, we aim to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses and their resulting human and financial costs," added Chris R. Adams, OSHA's Syracuse, N.Y., area director.

Under the alliance, OSHA and MACNY have also presented one-day seminars on record keeping, emergency action planning and other safety and health issues. They also encouraged MACNY members' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs, including the Voluntary Protection Program, safety consultation and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

OSHA health and safety alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao's ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of workers through cooperative partnerships. The alliance was signed by Clark, Adams and Randy Wolken, president, MACNY.

OSHA has created more than 325 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.