OSHA, ASA Renew Partnership
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) headquarters, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, Mr. Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., and American Shipbuilding Association (ASA) President, Ms. Cynthia L. Brown, signed an agreement renewing an alliance between OSHA and the American Shipbuilding Association. The Alliance Agreement, in place since 2003, seeks to promote cooperative relationships between management, labor, and OSHA, and the implementation of comprehensive safety and health management systems in the workplace.The Alliance Agreement states OSHA and ASA will continue to work together to achieve the goals of: Providing expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and providing expertise in developing ways of communicating such information. Sharing information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding ASA best practices or effective approaches, and publicizing results through outreach by ASA and through OSHA- or ASA-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures. Promoting and encouraging ASA members’ participation in OSHA’s cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, and the On-site Consultation Program and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. Working with other Alliance participants on specific maritime industry issues and projects that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program. Convening or participating in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on shipyard safety and health hazards to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.