OSHA, US Forest Service sign alliance to promote workplace safety and health in Pacific Northwest

July 28, 2016

July 28, 2016

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region Office and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency at the Edith Green/Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland Oregon on Friday July 8th 2016
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region Office and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency at the Edith Green/Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland Oregon on Friday July 8th 2016
Galen Blanton (right), OSHA’s acting regional administrator in Seattle, and James M. Pena, USFS’ regional forester, sign a two-year collaboration alliance in Seattle, Washington, on July 8.

Participants: U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Forest Service

Alliance description: The OSHA’s Regional Office in Seattle and the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region have signed an alliance to share information, guidance and access to safety and health resources related to the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. The alliance’s goal is to help improve the safety in the workplace by enhancing USFS’ safety training programs for supervisors, safety committee members and safety personnel. The training curriculum will enhance field and firefighter hazard recognition, and develop personnel protective equipment selection expertise for both OSHA and Forest Service employees.

Duration: The alliance is for a two-year term.

Quote: “OSHA’s alliance with the U.S. Forest Service sets in motion a great partnership that will help ensure the safety and health of workers in the great forests of the Pacific Northwest,” said Galen Blanton, OSHA’s acting regional administrator in Seattle. “We welcome and applaud the Forest Service’s commitment to preventing its workers from suffering injuries and illnesses.”

Information: Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith and community-based organizations and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. For information about forming an alliance or partnership, contact OSHA’s regional alliance coordinator Patricia Navarro-Quick at 206-757-6700.