AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
JACKSON, MS AREA OFFICE
AND
ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATIONS OF MISSISSIPPI

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Electric Power Associations of Mississippi (EPA of MS) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. OSHA and EPA of MS hereby form an Alliance to provide EPA of MS members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to electrical transmission and distribution equipment hazards.

OSHA and EPA of MS will work together to achieve the following training and education goals:

• Develop training and education programs on electrical transmission and distribution equipment hazards targeted to electric utility workers employed by EPA of MS members.
• Deliver or arrange for the delivery of Advance Lineman Training courses, conducted by EPA of MS, for electric utility workers employed by EPA of MS members.

OSHA and EPA of MS will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:

• Develop and disseminate information on electrical transmission and distribution equipment hazards at conferences, events, or through print and electronic media, including links from OSHA's and EPA of MS's Web sites.
• Speak, exhibit, or appear at EPA of MS' Annual Safety Coordinators Conference local meetings, or other events.
• Share information on best practices, as determined by OSHA and EPA of Ms, developed by member worksites with others in the industry through outreach by EPA of MS and through OSHA - or EPA of MS - developed training programs and materials. Promote implementation through print or electronic media, at conferences, or by other means of outreach.
• Promote and encourage EPA of MS members' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance and the Voluntary Protection Program. In addition, EPA of MS will act as mentors to member sites that aspire to excellence in safety and health.

OSHA and EPA of MS will work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting a dialogue on workplace safety and health:

• Raise others' awareness of and demonstrate their won commitment to workplace safety and health whenever EPA of MS leaders address groups.
• Perform case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health, and publicize their results through print or electronic media, promotion at conferences, or other means of outreach.
• Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, and meetings regarding electric utility issues to help forge innovative solutions to safety and health issues.

An implementation team made up of representatives of both organizations will meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least quarterly to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Either signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days written notice. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories.

Clyde P. Payne
Area Director
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Stan Rucker
Vice President, Safety and Loss Control
Electric Power Associations of Mississippi



Signed: 23 May, 2003