OSHA, Ill. Join College to Raise Safety Awareness

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program and Richland Community College’s Center for Business Training and Community Education have signed an alliance to provide safety and health information and training to students, employers and employees.

OSHA alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao’s ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of workers. OSHA has created more than 300 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

“This cooperative effort is designed to provide resources to reduce and prevent exposure to workplace hazards in general industry, construction and the service industry,” said John Newquist, OSHA area director in Peoria.

During the three-year alliance, federal and state safety officials will work with Richland Community College in Decatur, Ill., to develop training and education programs for students, employers and workers that emphasize recognition and prevention of workplace hazards. Students also may take courses at the OSHA Technical Institute Ed Center.

The college will provide training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators to OSHA and Illinois Onsite Consultation staff. The alliance will also encourage the participation of students and their employers in OSHA’s cooperative programs.

Outreach efforts will include conferences, seminars, meetings and workshops to raise awareness and demonstrate the commitment of alliance members to workplace safety and health. Additionally, the alliance will create a “Z Project” Web site where employers can access and share safety information on hazard control and elimination.