The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Apparel and Footwear
Association (AAFA) recognize the value of collaborative efforts to achieve workplace safety and health. OSHA and the
AAFA therefore agree to form an Alliance to use their collective expertise to help foster a culture of injury and
illness prevention by sharing best practices and technical safety and health knowledge, especially in the area of
ergonomics.
OSHA and AAFA agree to establish an Alliance to promote safe and healthful working conditions for the apparel and footwear
industry by:
- Providing AAFA members with information and guidance that will help them protect employees’ health and safety, particularly
in reducing exposure to ergonomic hazards.
- Reaching out to members who may benefit from mentoring or guidance in developing, implementing, or improving ergonomics
programs.
- Providing training on ergonomics techniques, program structure, and applications in the apparel and footwear industry.
OSHA and the AAFA will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:
- Develop and disseminate information and guidance through print and electronic media, particularly the AAFA and OSHA Web
sites.
- Disseminate information and guidance in applicable foreign languages.
- Speak, exhibit, or appear at conferences, local meetings, or other events to promote the effectiveness of ergonomics
programs.
- Promote and encourage AAFA members’ participation in OSHA’s cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the
Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation, SHARP, and mentoring among AAFA members.
OSHA and AAFA will work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting the national dialogue on workplace
safety and health:
- Encouraging AAFA members to act as industry liaisons and resources for OSHA’s cooperative programs and Compliance
Assistance Specialists.
- Share information on best practices of AAFA members, as determined by OSHA and AAFA, with others in the industry.
OSHA and AAFA will also work together to achieve the following training and education goals:
- Develop and deliver training and education programs on ergonomics issues.
- Cross-train OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals in AAFA ergonomics programs or best practices, as
determined by OSHA and AAFA.
An implementation team made up of representatives from 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 on a regular
basis 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. AAFA
representatives will be selected from its Social Responsibility Committee. OSHA will afford the opportunity for
representatives of the Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association and the association of state Consultation
Projects to participate as well.
This agreement will remain in effect for one year from the date of signing and will automatically be renewed annually
thereafter. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories and may be terminated for any
reason with 30 days written notice from either signatory.
John Henshaw
Assistant Secretary
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration |
Date |
|
Kevin M. Burke
President, CEO
American Apparel and Footwear Association |
Date |
|
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