September 29, 2016

OSHA, Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust renew alliance
to train Chicago area electricians, protect them from job hazards

Participants: U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust, Alsip, Illinois

Background: OSHA and the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust in Alsip have signed a two-year renewal of their alliance to provide information, guidance and access to training resources to electrical employers and workers. Through the trust, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 134 and the Electrical Contractors' Association of the City of Chicago sponsor an apprenticeship program for prospective electricians in Cook County. The five-year program combines on-the-job training by union electrical contractors with 53 college credit hours in related classroom training. It is a registered program with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

First signed on May 16, 2012, the alliance continues the joint effort to:

• Develop effective training programs for local industry.
• Provide safety seminars and talks.
• Encourage worker participation in employer safety and health programs.
• Share information on occupational safety and health laws.

Together, the agency will work with the organization to promote a culture of worker safety and health within the construction industries, including small businesses and apprenticeship training programs, through development and sharing of information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, such as arc blast and arc flash, and other hazards associated with the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.

OSHA and EJATT will also work together to promote awareness of the agency's rulemakings, enforcement initiatives and safety campaigns, including an understanding of workers' rights and employer responsibilities. The partners will also speak, exhibit and appear at OSHA or EJATT conferences and apprenticeship training programs.

Quote: "In collaboration with EJATT, we at OSHA can help industry employers train and protect their employees from preventable workplace injuries," said Kathy Webb, OSHA's area director in Calumet City. "Our alliance allows to us to work together to foster education and provide training to improve the safety of electrical workers throughout the Chicago area."

Additional Background: Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

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Media Contacts:

Scott Allen, 312-353-6976, allen.scott@dol.gov
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Release Number: 16-1956-CHI

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