OSHA Joins with Illinois in Alliance to Raise Job Safety, Health Awareness

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Illinois Small Business Development Center Network, and the Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program have signed a new alliance to help small businesses protect employees’ health and safety.

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 350 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

“Alliances are one of the cornerstones in our efforts to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses,” said Michael Connor, OSHA regional administrator in Chicago. “Enlisting the help of the state of Illinois in this effort will further our joint objective of improving safety in small businesses through enhanced communication about safety issues, development of safety programs, and an ongoing commitment to work together.”

OSHA area offices in Aurora, Peoria, Chicago North and Calumet City will participate in the initiative. During the three-year alliance, OSHA and the state of Illinois will work together to develop and communicate information to help employers and workers recognize and prevent job-related hazards and to increase access to information and training resources. The alliance will develop safety and health training and education programs to improve business awareness of OSHA regulations, safety and health management systems and cooperative programs.

At conferences and public forums, OSHA and the state will share best practices and forge innovative solutions to address workplace hazards. Information will be distributed at seminars, meetings or workshops to raise awareness and demonstrate commitment to workplace safety and health.

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