The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
recognize the value of
establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer, drug-free and more healthful American workplaces and protect employees' health and
safety. OSHA and the NFIB hereby form an Alliance to make health and safety information and compliance assistant resources available to all
employers, especially small and independent businesses, and communicate the need for the implementation of safety and health management
system programs in the workplace. In developing this Alliance, OSHA and NFIB recognize that OSHA's State Plan and Consultation Project
partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.
OSHA and NFIB will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:
- Develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media, including electronic assistance tools, publications, safety
newsletters and links from OSHA's and NFIB's Web sites.
- Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA and NFIB conferences, seminars or other events that address small business issues such as the
NFIB Congressional Small Business Summit.
- Develop and promote accessible and easy-to-use tools to encourage and help small business owners create and implement effective
safety and health management programs in the workplace.
- Promote and encourage NFIB members' use of and participation in OSHA's outreach services and cooperative programs, including
compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, Consultation and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
- Encourage NFIB state offices to build relationships and establish links with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices where feasible, and
promote the availability of OSHA's Compliance Assistant Specialists and Consultation Projects to address issues that impact small businesses.
- Work with other Alliance participants on safety and health issues and projects that impact small and independent businesses,
especially safety and health management programs, which are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
- Assist in the testing and development of safety and health resources for small businesses.
OSHA and NFIB will work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting the national dialogue on
workplace safety and health:
- Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on independent businesses' safety and health issues
including safety and health management programs, to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.
OSHA's Alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for
purposes such as training and education, outreach and communication and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health. These
Alliances have proved to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with a party, OSHA is
not endorsing any of that party's products or services; nor does the Agency enter into an Alliance with the purpose of promoting a particular
party's products or services.
An implementation team made up of representatives of both organizations will meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures,
and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition they will meet at least quarterly to track and share information
on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. Team members will include representatives of OSHA's Directorate of
Cooperative and State Programs and any other appropriate offices. OSHA will encourage State Plan State's and OSHA Consultation Project's
participation on the team.
This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Either signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30
days written notice. The Agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories.
______________________
John Henshaw
Assistant Secretary
Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
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Date |
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______________________
Jack Faris
President
National Federation of Independent Business |
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Date |
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