Region 4 News Release: 09-358-ATL (091)
April 7, 2009
Contact: Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2078

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA to provide free safety and health training to employers during safety conference
April 9 meeting being held at Gulf State Fairgrounds, Mobile, Ala.

MOBILE, Ala. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will offer free safety and health training to employers during the annual Gulf Coast Safety Conference on April 9 from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CDT at the Gulf State Fairgrounds in Mobile.

"Our focus is on the reduction of occupational injuries and illnesses, as well as the prevention of workplace fatalities," said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA's area director in Mobile. "The conference supports this effort by providing a wealth of safety and health information to employers at no cost."

The conference is designed for contractor employers, workers and others interested in obtaining construction safety and health information. Training will be provided by OSHA; the American Society of Safety Engineers; the Associated General Contractors, Mobile and Northwest Florida Chapters; the Associated Builders and Contractors Mid-Gulf Chapter; the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce; the National Association of Home Builders, Alabama and Metro Mobile Chapters; the Construction Safety Council; Georgia Institute of Technology – OSHA Training Institute; Safe State of Alabama Consultation Program; and the University of Alabama – OSHA Training Institute Association of Alabama.

Exhibitors will offer products and services that support construction workplace safety and health programs. Meals and beverages, in addition to training, will be provided at no cost. Participants are required to pre-register by sending an e-mail to safetyconference@hbamm.com or by calling 251-661-5588. Registration forms can also be mailed to Lori O'Donoghue at the Home Builders Association of Metro Mobile, 1613 University Blvd. South, Mobile, AL 36609.

Companies and groups interested in learning more about OSHA's activities to improve worker safety and health in southern and central Alabama can contact the agency's area office in Mobile at 1141 Montlimar Drive, Suite 1006, Mobile, AL 36609; telephone 251-441-6131.

OSHA currently has more than 470 safety and health alliances throughout the nation as part of the agency's ongoing efforts to improve the safety and health of employees through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and government agencies.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote 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, visit www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.