OSHA and CHM renew alliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the USA have extended the alliance with its Crane, Hoist and Monorail (CHM) partners for a further five years. Outreach and education were the themes discussed at the signing.

The crane, hoist and monorail partners are the overhead lifting product groups of trade association Material Handling Industry (MHI), namely Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI) and Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA).

Through its alliance programme OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organisations, faith and community-based organisations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. OSHA is particularly keen to reduce worker exposures to electrical shock, electrocution, falls from elevation and being struck by moving equipment, through the latest alliance renewal.

David Michaels, assistant secretary of Labor for OSHA, commented, “Our alliance with CHM has been invaluable in helping to reduce and prevent serious or fatal incidents in the material handling industry.” Michaels continued, “We will continue to focus on efforts and resources that implement best industry practices that help keep crane, hoist, and monorail operators safe and healthy.”

Matthew Smurr, managing executive of the overhead groups and senior director, solution and product groups, at MHI, said, “The alliance is a direct and valuable connection to the US regulatory agency for workplace safety that is beneficial to both sides.”

OSHA originally established an alliance programme in March 2002 to enable organisations committed to safety and health to work with OSHA to prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the workplace. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.