OSHA, TCIA Collaborate on New Safety & Health Topics Web Page

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) this week rolled out two new resources on the agency’s Web site. One is useful across the entire OSHA Web site, while the other is specific to green industry interests. Along with a new advanced search engine, the agency has created a Web-based assistance tool for workers and employers in the tree care industry.

"These new tools provide useful and more readily-accessible information that will help employers, employees and businesses stay safe, healthy, and successful," said Jonathan Snare, acting assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. "The tree-care industry topics page is a great example of how an effective Alliance can leverage our joint resources to improve worker safety and health. And, by expanding our search engine, visitors to OSHA’s Web site can now access specific information quickly and more comprehensively."

The new tree care safety and health topics page is a product of OSHA’s former alliance with the Tree Care Industry Assocaition (TCIA). Users can access information to develop and implement comprehensive safety and health programs and learn how to recognize and address potential industry hazards, including overhead power lines, falling branches and faulty safety equipment, to name just a few of the dangers. The page also provides information and links to OSHA standards, compliane directives, interpretations of OSHA standards and national consensus standards related to the tree care industry.

“While the level of risk in an occupation is always a consideration in creating a safety and health page like the new tree care page, the main interest we had in creating this page was to build from an alliance between OSHA and TCIA,” explained Frank Meilinger, a public affairs representative for OSHA, in an interview with Lawn & Landscape. Another green industry alliance with OSHA recently helped in establishing a similar green industry safety and health topics page, which was unveiled in May.

The goal of these pages is to educate members of the related industries on how to improve the safety of their businesses, without tying the pages directly to any enforcement aspects of OSHA, Meilinger explains. As of press time, representatives from TICA were unavailable for comment on the goals of the new tree care page.

Meanwhile, OSHA’s new advanced search engine allows users to conduct topical or keyword searches in various sections of the Web site, such as standards, compliance directives, interpretations, small business, training, and many other areas. Searches can be limited to one area or expanded to many different areas of the site.

When a subject is entered into the new search tool, users are provided a list of the top links for any issue as well as additional search options on a subject. For example, if a search is submitted for a specific area, the search engine also lists other locations and how frequently the subject can be found throughout the Web site. A general search will list each area that a subject is located and offer the user the opportunity to conduct an additional, area-specific search.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers 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 http://www.osha.gov.