OSHA, Wis. State Agencies Launch Safety Alliance

The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Wisconsin state agencies have launched an alliance aimed at preventing workplace hazards statewide. Joining OSHA in the three-year pact are the Workers Compensation Division of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and the Wisconsin Onsite Consultation Programs.

“OSHA alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao’s efforts to improve the health and safety of workers,” said Kimberly Stille, OSHA’s area director in Madison. “They provide an opportunity to cooperate with OSHA in training and education, outreach and communication, and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health.”

The alliance was signed by OSHA area offices in Eau Claire, Appleton, Madison and Milwaukee. The OSHA Health Consultation Program, Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, joined in the initiative.

The alliance will provide members and others with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them protect employees’ health and safety. OSHA and the state of Wisconsin will provide safety and health courses. They will identify the needs of businesses for specific safety and health training, and they will create and promote instruction to address the needs of non-English speaking employers and workers.

OSHA and the Wisconsin agencies will work together to develop and communicate information to help businesses and workers recognize and prevent job-related hazards. At conferences and public forums, alliance members will share information and forge innovative solutions to improve workplace safety and health.

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

It will also work to improve state employers’ understanding of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Workers Compensation Division.