OSHA forms safety alliance with Lyondell/Equistar

Reducing hazards and enhancing safety and health for contractors at the Lyondell/Equistar Chemical Company in Tuscola, Ill., are the goals of a new alliance among the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Tuscola Awareness for Contractor Safety Council and the company.

"This alliance seeks to reach employees and employers at all levels, and provide them with the knowledge and ability to anticipate, identify and eliminate work-related hazards," said Nick Walters, OSHA's area director in Peoria, Ill.

The alliance partners also will work together to develop a safety and health training program and encourage the use of voluntary compliance among the eight different contractors that employ more than 50 people who perform various work at the chemical plant.

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 employees through cooperative partnerships. OSHA currently has 468 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.