Region 6 News Release: OSHA-09-13-DAL
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009
Contact: Diana Petterson Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4709 972-850-4710

METAIRIE, La. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has formed an alliance with the National Safety Council, South Louisiana Chapter to promote workplace safety and health in construction and construction-related industries for workers in southern Louisiana.

"This agreement provides an opportunity for employers, contractors and employees to come together and discuss existing safety and health hazards in the workplace," said Dean McDaniel, OSHA's regional administrator in Dallas. "We are hopeful that this cooperative effort will help prevent injuries associated with the construction industry in south Louisiana."

The alliance will specifically focus on motor vehicle safety, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators in the construction workplace. It also will address the development and implementation of comprehensive safety and health management systems. Training and outreach will maximize worker safety.

Founded in 1950, the South Louisiana Chapter of the council provides safety and health information, training, programs and resources throughout southern Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region.

OSHA safety and health alliances are part of the agency's ongoing efforts to improve the safety and health of employees through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and government agencies. OSHA currently has more than 470 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace. Employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA partnerships or alliances may call the agency's Baton Rouge Area Office at 225-298-5458.

OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 38 years. This success is reflected in the latest data (2007) showing the lowest national injury and illness incidence rate that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has ever recorded. OSHA continues to work diligently to focus its resources where they will have the most impact in assuring that every working man and woman returns home safely every day.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.