Region 1 News Release: 09-203-BOS/BOS 2009-078
Wed., March 25, 2009
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074

U.S. Labor Department's OSHA and Covidien continue successful training alliance for New Haven, Conn., area manufacturers

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. - The Bridgeport Area Office of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is extending an alliance with the Surgical Devices business unit of Covidien to provide information and training to manufacturing employers and employees in the Greater New Haven, Conn., area.

During the 2007 alliance, members of the Greater New Haven Manufacturers Association were surveyed and asked to submit training topics based on interest or need. Chosen topics included machine guarding, hazard communication, emergency response, personal protective equipment and hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout). The 2009 alliance will continue to cover these topics as well as encourage members of the manufacturers' alliance to participate in OSHA's cooperative programs.

"We're pleased that Covidien is continuing with us on this effort to equip New Haven area manufacturers and their employees with vital knowledge to identify and prevent workplace hazards," said Robert Kowalski, OSHA's area director in Bridgeport, Conn. "A comprehensive and effective approach to safety and health can reduce injuries and illnesses and their associated human and financial costs, as well as enhance productivity and increase morale."

OSHA safety and health alliances seek to improve the health and safety of employees through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and government agencies. OSHA currently has more than 470 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace. For more information about OSHA alliances in New Haven, Fairfield and Middlesex counties, contact the compliance assistance specialist in OSHA's Bridgeport Area Office at 203-579-5581.

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.

###

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.