Trade News Release
Feb. 27, 2008
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: (202) 693-1999 
 

OSHA Announces a New Alliance with the Scaffold Industry Association

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has formed a new Alliance with the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) to provide its members and others in the construction industry with information and guidance on the safe use of mast climbing scaffolding and aerial lift equipment.

"The collective expertise of OSHA and SIA can create a significant impact on the safety and health of men and women working in construction," stated Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "Through our Alliance, we intend to develop products, programs and resources for employers and employees to help reduce fatalities and increase awareness of preventable injuries."

The Alliance will also address reducing and avoiding exposure to fall and caught in/between hazards. The two organizations will work cooperatively to develop training and education programs for the construction industry. Through the Alliance, representatives will participate in OSHA and SIA conferences, meetings and events such as SIA's 36th Annual Convention & Exposition. In addition, the Alliance will disseminate information through OSHA's and SIA's websites, as well as print and electronic assistance and media tools.

"The Scaffold Industry Association is both excited and energized to work with OSHA again on issues directly related to scaffold and access safety," said SIA President John R. Miller. "The collective expertise of both OSHA and the SIA will significantly accelerate the delivery of training, education and information, specific to scaffold and access safety, while renewing both parties commitment to reduce accidents, eliminate fatalities and create a culture of safe work practices."

SIA is a national trade organization, founded in 1972, to represent the scaffold, aerial lift and access industry in the U.S. and worldwide. SIA promotes safety in these areas by developing educational and training courses, audiovisual programs, and codes of safe practices. It has over 1,000 member companies including aerial platform dealers and distributors; scaffold and shoring erectors and renters; plank and platform manufacturers and distributors; safety and engineering consultants; and government officials.

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.
 

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