Region 4 News Release: 09-553-ATL (130)
May 26, 2009
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA forms alliance to reduce injuries and illnesses in maritime industry
Alliance signing ceremony set for May 27 at McFatter Technical Center in Davie, Fla.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is embarking on a new effort to improve the workplace safety and health of maritime employees by forming an alliance with McFatter Technical Center in Broward County, Fla.

The public and media are invited to watch the signing of the new agreement at noon on Wednesday, May 27. The ceremony will be held at McFatter Technical Center/High School, 6500 Nova Drive in Davie, Fla.

The alliance will provide the South Florida maritime industry with information, guidance and access to training resources to help prevent injuries and illnesses associated with hazards in ship repairing, shipbuilding, marine terminal operations, long shoring operations and related work aboard vessels.

"Over the past three years, OSHA has investigated nine fatal maritime industry-related incidents in southeast Florida," said Darlene Fossum, OSHA's area director in Fort Lauderdale. "Safe work practices could have prevented these horrible tragedies."

An implementation team made up of representatives from both organizations will meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. Over the next two years, the alliance will meet at least three times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving its goals.

Companies and groups interested in learning more about OSHA's activities to improve employee safety and health in South Florida may contact OSHA's Fort Lauderdale Area Office, 8040 Peters Road, Building H-100; telephone 954-424-0242.

OSHA's alliances provide 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, OSHA is not endorsing any participant's products or services. Since 2001, OSHA has created more than 470 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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