Region 7 News Release: OSHA/06-1686-KAN
September 28, 2006
Contact: Norma Conrad
Phone: (816) 426-5481

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will sign an alliance Sept. 29 in Springfield, Mo., with the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (GOCACHMM). The alliance will provide training on safety and health management systems to employers and employees and will share best practices to prevent employee exposure to workplace hazards.

OSHA alliances are a part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao's effort to improve the health and safety of workers. OSHA has created more than 350 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

During the two-year alliance, OSHA and GOCACHMM will work together to give members and other small businesses information and guidance about health and safety that will help them protect employees and increase access to training resources. They will assist in a wide range of training and education programs, including accident prevention; accident investigation and analysis; job safety; and first aid.

'This cooperative effort is designed to foster a culture of prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses,' said Barbara Theriot, OSHA area director in Kansas City, Mo. 'Joining with GOCACHMM in this effort will lead to safer workplaces,' said Bill McDonald, OSHA area director in St. Louis.

The alliance also will promote and encourage participation in OSHA's cooperative programs. These include compliance assistance, safety and health consultation programs, the Voluntary Protection Programs and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure 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. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor 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.