"This alliance is an important step in reaching out to PMA members and workers in the metalforming industry to provide them the training and education that will help keep them safe on the job," said Jonathan L. Snare, acting assistant secretary of Labor for OSHA. "We look forward to a successful working relationship with PMA and improving worker safety and health throughout the industry."
"Safety is of utmost importance to the metalforming industry," added PMA president Bill Gaskin. "PMA looks forward to working closely with OSHA through this alliance to provide the industry with information and access to training resources that will help protect employees."
OSHA and PMA will provide workers in the metalforming industry with guidance and access to training resources to help protect employee's health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic related hazards and addressing press safety issues such as machine guarding and lockout/tagout to prevent amputations and other injuries.
Through the alliance, OSHA and PMA will develop workplace safety and health curricula and materials on the recognition and prevention of amputation and ergonomic-related hazards, and provide expertise in communicating the information to employers and employees in the industry. The organizations will participate in forums, round table discussions, and stakeholder meetings.
The alliance also calls for the promotion and encouragement of PMA members' or worksites' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as the Voluntary Protection Programs, the Consultation Program and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
A team of OSHA and PMA representatives will meet at least three times a year to develop an action plan, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. OSHA will also encourage state plan states and consultation projects to participate in the alliance.
