August 1, 2019
Contact; Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

U.S. Department of Labor and Global Cold Chain Alliance Renew Agreement to Protect Workers from Hazardous Chemicals

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has renewed the national Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) to continue working together to protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemical releases from ammonia refrigeration systems. The alliance will also focus on improving process safety management programs for these systems.

Alliance goals under the five-year renewal agreement include developing information on workplace hazards related to ammonia refrigeration, emergency preparedness and response, and best practices for protecting workers’ safety while performing ammonia refrigeration operations.

OSHA and GCCA originally signed the alliance in 2010, and renewed it in 2014. In the past, The two organizations have collaborated in developing posters on ammonia safety. GCCA has also provided web-based training to help compliance officers and industry personnel better understand safety within industrial refrigeration facilities. In addition, the alliance intends to raise awareness of inspection trends related to the National Enforcement Program for Chemical Facilities and rulemaking activities that impact the cold chain industry.

GCCA serves more than 1,300 companies in 75 countries who serve the food industry by providing third party, temperature-controlled supply chain services. 

The OSHA Alliance Program fosters collaborative relationships with groups committed to worker safety and health. Alliance partners help OSHA reach targeted audiences, such as employers and workers in high-hazard industries, giving them better access to workplace safety and health tools and information.

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 help 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 www.osha.gov. 

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