MIOSHA and Precision Metalforming Association Sign Alliance to Protect Workers
Contact:
Mario L. Morrow 517-373-9280
Agency:
Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
June 17, 2009 - The Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) signed a formal alliance on June 16th to help protect the safety and health of Michigan workers in the metalforming industry. The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).
"We are pleased to join with the Precision Metalforming Association and their East and West Michigan Districts to protect our working men and women in the metalforming industry," said MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski. "This alliance offers great opportunities to share best practices and help create safer and healthier workplaces throughout Michigan."
The Alliance formalizes a working relationship between MIOSHA, PMA, and the PMA East and West Michigan Districts to develop and disseminate information that helps protect the safety and health of Michigan workers through outreach and communication, as well as influence employers and management to ensure that safety is viewed as a priority in the workplace.
Signing the alliance were: William E. Gaskin, President, PMA; Richard Sbroglia, Safety Committee Chair, PMA East Michigan District; Joe Hartings; Safety Committee Chair, PMA West Michigan District; Doug Kalinowski, Director, MIOSHA Program; Martha Yoder, Deputy Director, MIOSHA Program; and Connie O'Neill, Director, MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division.
"Safety is of utmost importance to the metalforming industry," said PMA President William E. Gaskin. "PMA and its East and West Michigan Districts look forward to working closely with MIOSHA through this alliance to provide Michigan metalformers with detailed information and easy access to training resources that will help protect employee safety and health."
Alliances enable organizations committed to workplace safety and health to collaborate with MIOSHA to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. The key goals of this alliance include:
Work together to develop training resources and other materials to promote worker safety in the metalforming industry.
Reduce and prevent exposure to ergonomic hazards and address press safety issues such as machine guarding and lockout/tagout to prevent amputations and other injuries.
Improve communication and cooperation between District members and MIOSHA resulting in improved program delivery.
Promote the MIOSHA Training Institute and MIOSHA cooperative programs to District members.
Produce safer, better-trained District members, and the employees of their respective companies.
"The MIOSHA program is dedicated to working with employers, both public and private sector - to find innovative ways to enhance workplace safety and health," said Kalinowski. "Through alliances, MIOSHA can offer employers a voluntary, cooperative relationship to eliminate serious hazards and achieve a high level of safety and health."
PMA is the full-service trade association representing the $91-billion metalforming industry of North America-the industry that creates precision metal products using stamping, fabricating, spinning, slide forming and roll forming technologies, and other value-added processes. Its nearly 1,100 member companies also include suppliers of equipment, materials and services to the industry. PMA leads innovative member companies toward superior competitiveness and profitability through advocacy, networking, statistics, the PMA Educational Foundation, METALFORM tradeshows and MetalForming magazine.
There are many benefits to participating in an alliance with MIOSHA. Through this program, organizations will:
Build trusting, cooperative relationships;
Network with others committed to workplace safety and health;
Exchange information about best practices;
Leverage resources to maximize worker safety and health protection.
For more information about forming an alliance or partnership with MIOSHA, please check our website at www.michigan.gov/mioshaor contact the Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division at 517.322.1809.