March 16, 2012
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA, American Society of Safety Engineers renew Alliance to promote best
practices to prevent worker exposures to health, physical hazards

WASHINGTON – Promoting best practices for reducing and preventing worker exposures to health and physical hazards is the goal of a renewed Alliance between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). The renewed Alliance will continue to address non-English or limited English-speaking workers, motor vehicle safety, and awareness of workplace safety and health for public sector employees.

"Our most recent Alliance with the American Society of Safety Engineers has focused on preventing falls, sprains and strains in construction, distracted driving and hazards in shipyard employment," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels. "Our continued Alliance with ASSE will help ensure that workers are aware of on-the-job hazards and help reduce occupational illnesses and injuries."

During the new two-year agreement, the Alliance will continue to work with ASSE's Safety Professionals and the Latino Workforce group to translate Alliance-developed products for limited- and non-English speaking workers. The Alliance will also promote the annual North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, which will be held May 6-12. The theme for 2012 NAOSH Week is "Safety, What Every Business Needs."

ASSE, founded in 1911, represents more than 34,000 safety, health and environmental practitioners worldwide who are committed to protecting people, property and the environment. ASSE members are involved in safety engineering, design, standards development, management and education in nearly every industry, governmental agency, labor and institutions of higher education.

Through the 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, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses 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. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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