ATLANTA, GA (October 31, 2005) – Announced today, the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) renewed an alliance marking the continuation of their relationship established in 2003. This alliance was created to help employers address their most critical workplace health and safety challenges, including workplace violence, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and promoting the use of automated external defibrillators (AED) in the workplace.

"AAOHN is pleased to renew our alliance with OSHA," said AAOHN President Susan Randolph. "We are committed to working together to promote safe and healthful work environments and preventing worker injury and illness."

This alliance provides an opportunity for AAOHN to participate in a relationship with OSHA for purposes of training and education, outreach and communication and promotion of the national dialogue on workplace safety and health. Through the alliance, an implementation team made up of representatives of OSHA and AAOHN will develop a plan of action, determine working procedures and identify roles and responsibilities for both organizations. In addition, the two organizations will meet at least three times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the alliance.

"Our alliance with AAOHN has been very effective in working with frontline occupational safety and health professionals to improve safety and health in the workplace," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jonathan L. Snare. "We look forward to furthering our joint efforts and achieving real improvements in workplace safety and health for occupational and environmental health nurses."

OSHA and AAOHN will continue to work together on specific goals of the alliance, such as:

• disseminate health and safety information and guidance through meetings, conferences and other events;
• encourage AAOHN chapters to build relationships with OSHA’s Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues within the alliance’s three key areas;
• encourage AAOHN chapters to act as resources for OSHA’s Training Institute and Education Centers to assist in the promotion and presentation of health and safety courses;
• raise awareness of and demonstrate a commitment to improving the health and safety of the workforce;
• convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings about the three topical areas of the alliance; and
• encourage AAOHN’s members to act as industry liaisons and resources for OSHA’s cooperative programs and Compliance Assistance Specialists.

Established in 1942, AAOHN is a 10,000 member professional association dedicated to advancing the health, safety and productivity of domestic and global workforces by providing education, research, public policy and practice resources for occupational and environmental health nurses. These professionals are the largest group of health care providers serving the worksite.

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