OSHA and the Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. have formed an Alliance to promote safe and healthful working conditions in their industry.
Together, OSHA and IEC have agreed to develop a means that will provide IEC members with information and guidance to help them protect their employees, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to falls, rear-end auto collisions, and material-handling hazards. The Alliance also calls for increasing workers access to safety and health information and training resources. OSHA and IEC have agreed to work together at various conferences and events, and through the media, to jointly develop and disseminate that information.
Both organizations will also promote and encourage the participation of IEC members in OSHA's cooperative programs, such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation, the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, as well as mentoring to IEC members.
A joint team of IEC and OSHA representatives will meet regularly to develop an action plan, determine working procedures, identify goals and objectives, and track and share information on activities and results of the Alliance. Representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association and the association of state Consultation Projects will be given the opportunity to participate as well.
The Alliance will remain in effect for one year, with annual automatic renewals. It may be modified with the concurrence of all parties. Any signatory may withdraw for any reason with 30 days notice.
NSC URGES AMERICAN BUSINESS LEADERS TO ADOPT SAFETY AND HEALTH CODE OF ETHICS
The National Safety Council (NSC), America's safety and health leader for 90 years, has embarked on an initiative to increase corporate accountability for safety and health. The Council has worked with its members, representing 37,500 American workplaces, to develop a Safety and Health Code of Ethics. The key components of the Code describe the elements of safety and health leadership and corporate responsibility for CEOs and Boards of Directors. Among these elements are involved and committed leaders and open communication of an organization's safety performance.
Nearly 20 million people suffer disabling injuries in the U.S. every year, with nearly four million of these injuries suffered at work. Nearly 100,000 people die of preventable injuries every year in the U.S. Whether on- or off-the-job, injuries to members of corporate families cause a significant human and financial toll on American business.
"Business leaders have a responsibility and a business mandate to take action to prevent these injuries," said NSC President Alan C. McMillan. "The Code stipulates that chief executive officers and board members must make the safety and health of their employees their highest corporate value. Many organizations have demonstrated exactly the kind of leadership called for in the Code. However, many companies have not yet adopted the kind of leadership commitment and accountability that are required to protect the American people from injury and illness on and off the job."
The National Safety Council has issued the Safety and Health Code of Ethics to its member organizations. "We are calling upon all American business leaders to voluntarily adopt the Code and demonstrate their corporate responsibility for building strong safety and health programs and for reporting safety performance data openly and accurately," said McMillan.
The National Safety Council is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental public service organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health. NSC members represent business and labor organizations, schools, public agencies, private groups and individuals.
To request a copy of both the Code of Ethics and companion resource guide please contact NSC Customer Relations by phone at 1-800-621-7619
