|
U.S. Department of Labor | |
||||
| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
 |
|
OSHA News Release
2004 - 06/09/2004 - American Pyrotechnics Association Joins OSHA in Alliance |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
|
OSHA Trade Release June 9, 2004 Contact: Bill Wright Phone: (202) 693-1999 American Pyrotechnics Association Joins OSHA in Alliance
Focus on reducing and preventing work-related accidents involving fireworks WASHINGTON -- Workers in the pyrotechnics industry stand to benefit from an Alliance signed here today between the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The APA and OSHA signed the formal Alliance to provide APA members and others with information, guidance and access to training resources to ensure workers' safety and health when working with commercial display and consumer fireworks. "We're all aware of the hazards workers face with this volatile product and the tragic occupational consequences that can occur with their misuse," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "The cooperative effort we've established with APA today will go a long way in assuring industry workers' health and safety. We're pleased we can utilize the expertise of APA and we look forward to a long and constructive relationship." Added Julie L. Heckman, APA's Executive Director: "As the leading trade association of the fireworks industry, APA is pleased to enter into this Alliance with OSHA. We're excited to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with OSHA to enhance safety and health in the fireworks industry." The Alliance's two key components are to reduce and prevent accidents involving the manufacturing, transportation, storage, sale and handling of commercial display fireworks, as well as the retail sales of consumer fireworks. OSHA and APA will develop training and education programs on the safe and proper use of commercial display fireworks products and will also develop information on the recognition and prevention of pyrotechnic hazards in the workplace and provide that information to employers and workers throughout the industry. One such training program will be held the week the Alliance is signed. Both organizations will also speak, exhibit and appear at OSHA or APA events, such as the APA's Winter Educational Conference, and its Fall Annual Meeting, in addition to other local meetings or events. Safety and health information (e.g., posters listing fireworks safety tips) on working with pyrotechnics will also be developed and disseminated for industry workers through the media and from OSHA and APA's websites, including electronic assistance tools. The APA and OSHA will share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding APA's best practices or effective approaches. Plans also call for developing case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health. Finally, representatives of OSHA and the APA will participate in forums, roundtable discussions, and stakeholder meetings on fireworks issues in order to provide input on safety and health issues directly related to the industry. Founded in 1948, APA is a national non-profit trade association representing the fireworks industry. With more than 260 member companies, APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers 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, visit www.osha.gov. ###
U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7773 or TTY 202-693-7755. |
|
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
 Back to Top |
www.osha.gov | www.dol.gov |
Contact Us | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey Privacy and Security Statement | Disclaimers |
||
| Occupational Safety & Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210 |
||
