ALLIANCE REPORT

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
and the
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
December 22, 2016

  1. Alliance Background
    2.

    1. Date Signed
      2.

      October 10, 2002

    2. Dates Renewed
      3.

      April 23, 2004
      July 6, 2006
      October 21, 2008
      May 21, 2013

      Evaluation Period

      October 10, 2015 – October 9, 2016

    3. Overview
      4.

      The OSHA and AIHA Alliance focuses on providing AIHA members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers, particularly by reducing and preventing exposure to construction, general industry, shipyard employment, and oil and gas hazards, and understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

    4. Implementation Team Members
      5.

      OSHA

      Todd Briggs
      Program Analyst, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances (OOSA), Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs (DCSP)
      Russell Jones
      Occupational Safety and Health Specialist, Office of Small Business Assistance, DCSP
      Christina Morgan
      Safety & Occupational Health Specialist, OOSA, DCSP

      AIHA

      Nancy Green
      Deputy Executive Director
      Russell Hayward
      Managing Director, Scientific and Technical Initiatives
  2. Implementation Team Meetings
    3.

    • August 3, 2016
    • September 16, 2016

    In addition to these meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained contact to monitor the Alliance’s progress and results.

  3. Results
    4.

    The following table summarizes the Alliance’s activities in support of the goals in the Alliance agreement.

    Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives: To share information on OSHA’s National Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process through AIHA’s Web site and publications.

    Outreach and Communication: To develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to develop ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA’s and the AIHA’s Web sites) to employers and workers in the industry.
    Activity Type Activity Name/Summary OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported Number Reached

    Dissemination AIHA promoted OSHA’s fall prevention campaign by:
    • Linking to OSHA’s “Stop Falls” webpage from the AIHA/OSHA Alliance Webpage.
    • Publishing an article in the Synergist- Industry News on March 23, 2016 regarding OSHA’s third annual Fall Safety Stand-Down.
    		Fall Prevention Synergist Weekly: 5586 Online page reviews: 58
    Dissemination AIHA promoted OSHA’s heat illness prevention campaign by:
    • Linking to OSHA’s “Stop Falls” webpage from the AIHA/OSHA Alliance Webpage.
    • Publishing an article in the April 2016 issue of the Synergist magazine entitled “Heat Hazards: Protecting Workers in Hot Environments.”
    • Publishing an article in the Synergist- Industry News on July 13, 2016 on heat hazards.
    • Publishing an article in the September 2016 issue of the Synergist magazine entitled: “OSHA Urges Employers to Combat Heat-related Illnesses.”
    		 Heat Illness Prevention 6756
    Dissemination On October 21, 2015, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News announcing OSHA’s publication of an updated guidance document, Trenching and Excavation Safety. Construction 7571
    Dissemination On October 21, 2015, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels’ testimony before the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections on the agency’s activities and recent challenges related to the changing structure of work Temporary Workers 7571
    Dissemination In its October 2015 issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • OSHA Issues Updated National Emphasis Program on Amputations
    • Updated OSHA Guide Covers Training Requirements in Agency Standards
    		 8297
    Dissemination In its November 2015 issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • Measuring Violence: New Guidance for Protecting Healthcare Workers
    • Confined Spaces in Construction Guide Helps Small Businesses Comply with New OSHA Standard
    		 Construction, Healthcare 8340
    Dissemination On December 23, 2015, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News announcing OSHA’s publication of a Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB): Carbon Monoxide Explosion Hazards in Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking Operations. 7675
    Dissemination In its December 2015 issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • OSHA Updates Guide on Trenching, Excavation Safety in Construction
    • OSHA Chief Updates Congress on Challenges of Changing Structure of Work
    • OSHA Regional Emphasis Program Prompts Employers to Protect Poultry Workers
    		 Construction 8396
    Dissemination On January 18, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA’s updated Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers. Healthcare Unknown
    Dissemination In its January 2016 issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • Fact Sheets Outline Protections for Agricultural, Shipyard Workers (See OSHA Publications 3835 and 3836)
    • OSHA to Update Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines
    		 8450
    Dissemination On February 3, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA and NIOSH investigations of worker fatalities from exposure to methylene chloride. Hazard Communication 8508
    Dissemination On February 4, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News announcing the March 3, 2016 joint OSHA and Health Canada Stakeholder Webinar on aligning workplace hazard communication regulations in Canada and the U.S. Hazard Communication 5192
    Dissemination On February 4, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News announcing OSHA’s publication of a SHIB: Hazards when Purging Hydrogen Gas-Cooled Electric Generators. 5192
    Dissemination In its February 2016 issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • OSHA Expects to Complete Silica Rule This Month
    • New Resources for Healthcare Complement OSHA Workplace Violence Guidelines
    		 Construction, Healthcare 8508
    Dissemination On March 2, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA’s publication of Hazard Communication Guidance for Manufacturers, Importers, and Employers. Hazard Communication 5341
    Dissemination On March 2 and March 9, 2016, AIHA published articles in the Synergist- Industry News regarding the release and public comment period for OSHA’s Draft Guidance on Data Evaluation for Weight of Evidence Determination. Hazard Communication 5341
    Dissemination On March 24, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA’s issuance of its final rule on Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (81 FR 16285). Construction 5629
    Dissemination On March 30, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA’s March 25, 2016 final rule updating existing eye and face protection requirements for workers in general industry, shipyards, longshoring, marine terminals, and construction (81 FR 16085). Construction, Maritime 5629
    Dissemination In its March 2016 issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • Administrative Court Greenlights Request for Enterprise-wide Hazard Abatement by Employer
    • OSHA Cautions Steelmaking Industry Against Carbon Monoxide Explosion Hazards
    • DOJ to Work with DOL on Prosecution of Worker Safety Violations
    • OSHA Delays Enforcement of “Retail” Interpretation for PSM Standard
    • OSHA Seeks to Reduce Fraud with Revamped Outreach Trainer and Student Cards
    		 8612
    Dissemination On April 27, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA and NIOSH’s Interim Guidance for Protecting Workers from Occupational Exposure to Zika Virus. 5517
    Dissemination In its April 2016 issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • Heat Hazards: Protecting Workers in Hot Environments (as noted above)
    • Hazard Alert Warns of Dangers of Tank Gauging
    • OSHA Examines Death of Worker from Methylene Chloride Exposure
    • OSHA’s New Hazard Classification Guidance Assists Manufacturers, Importers, Employers
    • OSHA Seeks Membership Nominations for OHS Advisory Group
    		 Heat Illness Prevention, Oil and Gas, Hazard Communication 6756
    Dissemination On May 11, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News announcing a new chapter in the OSHA Technical Manual on fall prevention in construction. Construction, Fall Prevention 5891
    Dissemination On May 11, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA’s final rule requiring employers in high-hazard industries to transmit to OSHA information about workplace injuries and illnesses. 5891
    Dissemination On May 18, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News promoting a webinar on OSHA’s new silica standard hosted by the Center for Construction Research and Training. The webinar featured David O’Connor from OSHA’s Directorate of Standards and Guidance. Construction 5912
    Dissemination On May 19, 2016, AIHA published a post on the SynergistNOW Blog about OSHA’s electronic recordkeeping rule (81 FR 29623)
    Dissemination In its May 2016 issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • OSHA Announces Long-awaited Final Rule on Silica
    • OSHA Updates Final Rule on Eye and Face Protection
    • OSHA: New Injury Reporting Requirement a Success
    		 Construction 7687
    Dissemination On June 1, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA’s beryllium rulemaking. Unknown
    Dissemination On June 8, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA’s spring 2016 semiannual regulatory agenda. 5937
    Dissemination In its June/July issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • Agencies Publish Interim Guidance for Protecting Workers from Exposure to Zika Virus
    • OSHA’s New Electronic Recordkeeping Rule to Take Effect in August
    • Modernizing Process Safety: New Regulations to Pave Way for Greater IH Role
    • Progress and Trials for OSHA
    		 7392
    Dissemination On July 6, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding a new interim rule (81 FR 43429) to increase OSHA penalties by 78% effective August 1, 2016. 5713
    Dissemination On July 6, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA’s collaboration with NIOSH to promote NIOSH’s training curriculum for home healthcare workers. Healthcare 5713
    Dissemination On July 20, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding a delay in OSHA’s enforcement of anti-retaliation provisions in its new injury and illness tracking rule from August 10 to November 1, 2016. 5723
    Dissemination In its August issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant article:
    • Fact Sheet Specifies Procedures for Rescue, Emergency Services
    		 7430
    Dissemination On September 7, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News regarding OSHA and Health Canada’s development of a work plan to align labeling and classification requirements for hazardous workplace chemicals. Hazard Communication 5732
    Dissemination On September 7 and September 14, 2016, AIHA published articles in the Synergist- Industry News announcing OSHA’s opening of docket OSHA 2016-0021 to allow submission of comments on three draft guidance documents related to its Process Safety Management (PSM) standard. 5732
    Dissemination On September 14, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News announcing OSHA’s September 8, 2016 Request for Information to update fall protection standards for shipyards. (81 FR 62052) Fall Prevention, Maritime 5741
    Dissemination On September 21, 2016, AIHA published an article in the Synergist- Industry News promoting OSHA Temporary Worker Initiative Bulletin #6: Bloodborne Pathogens and Bulletin #7: Powered Industrial Truck Training. Healthcare, Temporary Workers 5741
    Dissemination In its September 2016 issue of the Synergist magazine, AIHA published the following relevant articles:
    • OSHA's Maximum Penalties for Violations Increase by 78 Percent
    • OSHA Delays Enforcement of New Tracking Rule's Anti-retaliation Provisions
    • NIOSH, OSHA Provide Training Curriculum for Home Healthcare Workers
    • OSHA Urges Employers to Combat Heat-related Illnesses (as noted above)
    		 Heat Illness Prevention, Healthcare 7485

    Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives: To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on construction and general industry safety issues, such as the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.

    Outreach and Communication: To work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects on that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program, including support for North American Occupational Safety and Health Week.
    Activity Type Activity Name/Summary OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported Number Reached

    Event An AIHA Representative participated in OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable meetings on March 24 and September 15, 2016. During the meetings, the participants received updates from OSHA, NIOSH, and other Roundtable attendees. The Roundtable also developed products, identified projects, and disseminated outreach and compliance assistance resources in an effort to better protect the safety and health of workers in the construction industry. Construction N/A
    OSHA Product Review On October 9, 2015, AIHA submitted comments in response to OSHA’s October 10, 2014 Request for Information on Chemical Management and Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs). Hazard Communication/Chemicals N/A
    OSHA Product Review On March 7, 2016, AIHA submitted comments on OSHA’s draft revised Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines. Safety & Health Programs N/A
    OSHA Product Review On May 2, 2016, AIHA submitted comments on OSHA’s Draft Guidance on Data Evaluation for Weight of Evidence Determination. Hazard Communication N/A
    Outreach and Communication: To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or AIHA's conferences, local meetings, such as the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo.
    Activity Type Activity Name/Summary OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported Number Reached

    Event / Speech On May 11, 2016, OSHA hosted the Annual Update meeting for the National Capital, NoVA, and Chesapeake Chapters of ASSE and the Potomac Section of AIHA. Assistant Secretary David Michaels and OSHA staff from several directorates provided agency updates at this event. Approx. 140 (105 AIHA members)
    Event / Speech On May 24, 2016, OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels participated in a general session at the 2016 American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition (AIHce) in Baltimore, MD, on “Pathways to Progress in Science and Practice.” Approx.1500

    TOTAL

    At least 230,832
  4. Upcoming Milestones
    5.

    In the coming year, OSHA and AIHA will continue to collaborate in developing and disseminating information and resources that will promote worker health and safety and raise awareness of the rights and responsibilities workers and employers. For example, OSHA and AIHA will continue to work closely in promoting the adoption of safety and health programs through OSHA’s “Safe and Sound” campaign. AIHA will also continue to raise awareness of OSHA standards and rulemakings and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process. AIHA will also continue to support OSHA outreach campaigns, including the fall prevention and heat illness prevention initiatives, and will participate in OSHA’s Alliance Program Construction Roundtable. Both parties will also explore possibilities for enhanced collaboration with one another and with other Alliance Program participants, including the National Safety Council and American Society of Safety Engineers.

Report prepared by: Christina Morgan; Safety & Occupational Health Specialist; Office of Outreach Services and Alliances; December 22, 2016

Activity Types:

  • Alliance Product: Products (e.g., fact sheets, videos, toolbox talks) developed by Alliance participants as part of the Alliance. These are not OSHA products.
  • Dissemination: An Alliance participant sends OSHA information, Alliance products, or other safety and health information to its stakeholders. This includes information sent by email or social media (Facebook, Twitter), and information included in newsletters and other publications. It also includes hits on the Alliance participant’s or OSHA’s Web page.
  • Evaluation: Any efforts by the Alliance participant to evaluate the effectiveness of an Alliance activity or the Alliance as a whole.
  • Event: Participation in events such as the Construction Roundtable and NAOSH Week.
  • Exhibit: OSHA exhibits at events sponsored by the Alliance participant.
  • OSHA Product Review: Review of an OSHA product by an Alliance participant. For example, an Alliance participant may provide technical comments on an OSHA eTool or publication. The review itself is considered the Alliance activity.
  • Speech/Presentation: Speeches or presentation by OSHA staff at events sponsored by the Alliance participant.
  • Training: This includes best practice seminars or other training that Alliance participants provide for OSHA staff. It also includes training for workers/employers/others by Alliance participants.
  • Other: Use this if an activity does not fit into one of the other categories.

OSHA Areas of Emphasis:

  • Agriculture
  • Asian American/Pacific Islander Workers
  • Construction
  • Ergonomics
  • Fall Prevention
  • Hazard Communication/Chemicals
  • Health Care
  • Heat Illness Prevention
  • Hispanic/Latino Workers
  • Maritime
  • Oil and Gas
  • Safety and Health Programs
  • Small Business
  • Temporary Workers
  • Transportation
  • Young Workers