AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AURORA, CHICAGO NORTH AND CALUMET CITY, ILLINOIS AREA OFFICES
AND
APPRENTICESHIP and SKILL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM,
OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL 150

The Chicago Area Offices of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces.

These organizations hereby form an Alliance to provide the apprentices and journeymen participating in the Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to the hazards associated with cranes, earth moving and other construction equipment including operations associated with trenching/excavations and hazardous waste (HAZWOPER) sites. In developing this Alliance, OSHA and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program recognize that OSHA's State Plan and Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.

OSHA and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:

• Speak, exhibit, or appear at Local 150 apprenticeship training or other training sessions.
   
• Deliver or arrange for the delivery of an OSHA presentation at HAZWOPER refresher training sponsored by the Local 150 Skill Improvement and Training Program.
   
• Share information between OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding best practices for on-site crane and heavy equipment management.

OSHA and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program will work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health:

• Raise awareness of and demonstrate commitment to workplace safety and health whenever OSHA leaders address groups.
   
• Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on issues regarding the use of heavy construction equipment and work at HAZWOPER sites to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.

OSHA's Alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as training and education, outreach and communication and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health. These Alliances have proved to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with a party, OSHA is not endorsing any of that party's products or services; nor does the Agency enter into an Alliance with the purpose of promoting a particular party's products or services.

OSHA agrees to obtain written consent from the Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program prior to obtaining or using any materials developed by the Program.

An implementation team made up of representatives of these organizations will meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. The team will meet at least three times per year 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 from the date of the agreement. Any 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 all signatories.

The parties to this agreement are and remain independent entities and one shall not be construed as being an agent or employee of the other.