OSHA, Illinois HCA Sign Safety and Health Alliance

The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was to sign an alliance with the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) on Tuesday, Oct. 19 in Decatur, Ill. The alliance is designed to reduce and eliminate lower back and other ergonomic injuries, among many workplace safety hazards faced by healthcare workers.

OSHA Health and Safety alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao’s ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of workers. Alliances provide an opportunity to participate in a cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as training and education, outreach and communication, and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health.

The pledge to work cooperatively will provide IHCA members and others with guidance, information and access to training resources designed to help them reduce and prevent exposure to blood-borne pathogens, ergonomic, chemical, electrical and physical hazards.

“The significance of this agreement is the proactive approach and commitment of a fine organization that supports long term care facilities throughout the state, and the government to eliminate workplace hazards,” OSHA Regional Administrator Michael Connors explained. “Sharing resources and information is the best manner to voluntarily promote safety and health.”

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has created more than 230 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.