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State and Federal Labor Departments, CBIA, Form New Alliance to Promote Health and Safety in the Workplace RELEASE: IMMEDIATE WETHERSFIELD, Conn., May 19, 2003 - Promoting safer and more healthful workplaces in Connecticut is the goal of a new alliance formed between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Connecticut Department of Labor Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. The newly formed alliance allows the partners to share best practices and technical knowledge regarding workplace hazards; enhance CBIA's current offerings of workplace safety and health curricula; and develop and disseminate information on workplace safety and health. "Employers recognize the value in promoting safety in the workplace and in keeping their employees healthy, so we have formed this alliance to give them all the tools they need to accomplish these things," said Bonnie D. Stewart, vice president, human resources services, CBIA. "This is an exciting opportunity to formalize the good working relationships we have developed with both CONN-OSHA and OSHA. This public-private partnership will help companies better protect the health and safety of their workers." "This proactive approach provides us with new opportunities to combine our resources," said State Labor Commissioner Shaun B. Cashman. "Encouraging workplace health and safety is the major goal of this alliance. CBIA, with more than 10,000 member companies, represents an important partner in helping us promote OSHA's cooperative programs, including compliance assistance, consultation services, the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), and the Voluntary Protection Program. Our goal at CONN-OSHA is to be our customer's first choice for safety and health program support, and this alliance helps us to achieve that vision." "This alliance allows private sector employers to utilize federal and state resources and expertise in a common purpose, which is to reduce occupational hazards for Connecticut's workers," said Thomas Guilmartin, OSHA's Hartford area director. "Knowledge, communication and cooperation are among the most effective tools for securing and maintaining safe and healthful workplaces." As part of the alliance, the partners will work together to develop and disseminate information at public events or through media campaigns; collaborate at conferences, local meetings or exhibits; and promote and encourage CBIA-member companies to participate in OSHA training and education programs and services. The goal is to provide information and guidance that will help protect employees by reducing or preventing exposure to workplace hazards. The alliance will also work toward developing training and education programs and enhancing existing curricula available to these employees. CONN-OSHA, a division of the Connecticut Department of Labor, implements state occupational safety and health standards as they apply to all state and municipal employees. Working with Federal OSHA, the state OSHA adopts standards and enforcement requirements that are at least as effective as the federal requirements. Federal OSHA implements occupational safety and health standards in private businesses in Connecticut. The two Federal OSHA area offices in Connecticut are located in Bridgeport and Hartford. CBIA is Connecticut's largest business organization with over 10,000 members. CBIA's mission is to create a competitive business climate that leads to economic growth and job creation. # # # Contact: Nancy Steffens, Connecticut Department of Labor (860) 263-6535 Nancy Andrews, CBIA (860) 244-1957
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