A new Alliance was formed recently
between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health
Administration and the American Fire Sprinkler Association to
address reducing and preventing exposure to material handling, as well as fall
hazards and issues related to motor vehicle safety.
A new Alliance was formed recently
between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) to
address reducing and preventing exposure to material handling, as well as fall
hazards and issues related to motor vehicle safety.
“Serious injuries can occur
while performing tasks commonly associated with fire sprinkler installation. It
is our goal to provide useful information and resources to protect the safety
and health of these employees,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA
Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. “We are pleased to join with an organization that strongly
believes in promoting safe work practices among its organization’s members and
others working in this industry.”
Through the Alliance, employers
and employees in the fire sprinkler and construction industries will receive guidance
on material handling and fall hazards and on motor vehicle safety issues. The
Alliance will develop training and educational programs addressing these
hazards and communicate information through exhibits, conferences, and OSHA- and
AFSA-developed Web sites.
AFSA is an international
association, organized in 1981, which provides open shop fire sprinkler
contractors with education, consultation and industry representation. Working
with government agencies, AFSA helps create awareness of fire hazards and
promotes how fire sprinkler installation reduces costs, and most importantly,
saves lives.
Steve Muncy, AFSA president,
said, “In forming this Alliance, the American Fire Sprinkler Association, and
its 900 contractor members, look forward to a positive relationship with OSHA,
working together to develop, promote and implement continued safe practices in
the fire sprinkler industry. This model cooperative relationship between
government and industry will benefit employers and employees alike.”
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970,
employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for
their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s
working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training,
outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual
process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visitwww.osha.gov.