Region 5 News Release: 09-281-CHI
March 20, 2009
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976

U. S. Department of Labor's OSHA forms safety and health alliance to tackle logging industry in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Reducing hazards and enhancing safety and health in Ohio's logging industry are the goals of a new alliance formed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with the Ohio Forestry Association, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation and the state's onsite consultation agency.

"This alliance seeks to reach employees and employers at all levels in the area's logging industry, and provide them with the knowledge and ability to anticipate, identify and eliminate work-related hazards," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director in Columbus.

The alliance partners will work together to develop and deliver safety and health training and education programs such as master logging certification and chainsaw safety training for companies and their employees working in the state's forestry-related industries.

The Ohio Forestry Association Inc., created in 1903, is an independent, nonprofit organization. The association's mission is to support the management of the state's forest resources and improve business conditions for the benefit of its members in their endeavors to engage in forestry-related industries and enterprises.

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.