The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Pennsylvania OSHA Consultation Program at Indiana University of PA
And the
Safety Peer Group Network

1. Alliance Background

   1. Date Signed

      September 20, 2017, Renewed September 16, 2019

   2. Evaluation Period

      September 20, 2018 – September 19, 2019

   3. Overview

      The purpose of this Alliance is to provide the SPG Network members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers. Efforts will be made to specifically and particularly address ergonomic hazards, healthcare environmental conditions, chemical hazards and by addressing injury and illness prevention programs, effective safety training, and OSHA’s cooperative program opportunities, and understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

   4. Implementation Team Members

      OSHA

      Scott G. Shimandle, Compliance Assistance Specialist – USDOL/OSHA - Allentown

      OSHA Consultation

      Cynthia Mellen, CSP, Safety Consultant, PA-OSHA Consultation at Indiana Univ. of PA

      Alliance participant

      Carmine J. Pellosie, DO, MPH, MBA, FACOEM, Executive Director, Occupational Health Services, Lehigh Valley Health Network - HealthWorks

      Scott Appnel, Manager, Business Development – HealthWorks- Occupational Medicine
      Populytics Inc.

2. Implementation Team Meetings

   • December 12, 2018 Safety Peer Group Network Meeting
   • February 6, 2019 Safety Peer Group Network Meeting
   • March 13, 2019 Safety Peer Group Network Meeting
   • April 24, 2019 Safety Peer Group Network Meeting
   • June 12, 2019 Safety Peer Group Network Meeting
   • June 28, 2019 Implementation Team Meeting
   • September 11, 2019 Safety Peer Group Network Meeting

   In addition to the meetings that were held, the Alliance participants maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to provide technical assistance and to monitor the Alliance’s progress and results.

3. Results

   The following table summarizes the Alliance’s activities in support of the goals in the Alliance agreement.

    

   Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives: To share information on OSHA’s National/Regional/Local Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process. To share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on various safety and health topics including but not limited to: ergonomics, substance abuse testing and prevention programs, medical marijuana, legionella, silica, injury and illness prevention programs, OSHA Consultation Program and OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported		Number Reached
   Alliance Product	No product developed at this time
   Speech/Presentation Meetings	OSHA Updates following every Safety Peer Group meeting.	Fatalities, Silica, Beryllium Safe+Sound Campaign, Focus Four Campaign, Emphasis Programs (National, Regional and Local), Heat Stress and Fall Prevention		265
   Dissemination	OSHA regulation updates, Campaigns and Initiatives, free webinars and Focus Four   material via email distribution	As noted above		Approx. 600
   Training and Education: To develop effective training and education programs for SPG Network members regarding, ergonomics, substance abuse testing and prevention programs, medical marijuana, legionella, silica, injury and illness prevention programs, OSHA Consultation Program and OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program and to communicate such information to constituent employers and workers. To develop effective training and education programs for SPG Network members to promote understanding of workers’ rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, and the responsibilities of employers’ and to communicate such information.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary		OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Speech/Presentations
   Dec. 12, 2018	The Latest from the PA Workers' Compensation Bureau, presented by Scott Weiant, Deputy Secretary Compensation & Insurance - PA Dept. of Labor and Industry		Injury and Illness recording/reporting, new WC Bureau initiatives, legislative updates, drug use impact, common WC errors, services available from the WC Bureau	35
   February 6, 2019	Drugs in the Workplace – A Panel Discussion. Panelist included: Kevin Vrablik, MD, MPH, FACOEM of Lehigh Valley Health Network; Timothy Gilsbach, Esquire of King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul LLC; and Carolyn Lamparella, Ed.S., LPC of Preferred EAP		Medical Marijuana and Opioids	115*
   March 13, 2019	Environmental Health Hazards – Lessons learned from a high-hazard industry – health care, presented by Tim Docherty, MBA, CIH, CPHRM, Director, Occupational Safety and Health Management - Lehigh Valley Health Network		Industrial hygiene, BBP, indoor air quality, biohazards – mold and Legionella, and the hierarchy of controls, including PPE usage	55*
   June 12, 2019	The Dangers of Worker Fatigue - What You Can Do to Combat it at Work, presented by LVHN Sleep Disorder Center and Carolyn Lamparella, Ed.S., LPC, Program Director, Preferred EAP		Worker Fatigue	60*
   September 11, 2019	Legal Case Studies on Employee Health: What Did the Courts Say? Presented by Keely J. Collins, Esq. King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC Chair of the Employment Practice Group		Workplace Injuries and Illnesses	65*
   * denotes that the event had a call-in option.  The number of participants is approximate, although with the exception of the Drugs in the Workplace panel discussion, most attendees participated in person.
   Outreach and Communication: To develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to develop ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA’s and the Lehigh Valley Health Network – HealthWorks’ Web sites) to employers and workers in the industry.          To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA’s or SPG Network conferences, local meetings, or other events, as scheduled and as time and resources permit. To educate stakeholders and encourage the voluntary use of the free, confidential onsite consultation services provided by the Pennsylvania OSHA Consultation Program. To share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding SPG Network members good practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, written documents and lectures (or any other applicable forum) developed by the Participants. To work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects on injury and illness prevention and hazard mitigation/control that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program. To develop and/or disseminate case studies† on various occupational health hazards, as identified, and publicize their results.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary		OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meetings	See above – Section II		Listed above	Listed above
   Meeting	Medical Student discussion on Occupational Health standards and guidelines		Expanded health standards, respiratory protection, noise and medical records	3
   Meeting	Implementation Team members to meet new Wilkes-Barre CAS, Ms. Seandra Williams, for networking and opportunity to establish a similar network in northeast Pennsylvania		Expand safety and health information sharing	6
   Speech/Presentation	See above – Section III		Listed above	Listed above
   †Note:  Efforts were made to develop a case study on occupational exposure to crystalline silica, by a medical student, however during the review and discussion process (OSHA, Office of Occupational Medicine, and Lehigh Valley Health Network), it was identified that the initial efforts appeared to have been incomplete and the target audience was not clear.  Many studies have already been conducted on exposure to crystalline silica and as such, this particular case study was not deemed necessary.       SPECIAL NOTE: LVHN staff have been (and continue to be) valuable contributors in the Area Office’s Best Practices Workshops, which are free events where various businesses and organizations get together to share ideas and concepts to enhance their safety and health programs. LVHN staff not only support this effort (which is not directly related to this Alliance), through use of space for meetings, but also their professional and occupational staff members have contributed through outreach and participation in the events.
   TOTAL				Approx. 1200

    

    

4. Evaluations

   This Alliance continues to see growth in the SPG attendance. The opportunity to “call-in” to the meetings in a Webinar format has provided many with the opportunity to participate without having to travel to the varied locations of the events. However, it is during the post SPG meeting time that, at least for those in attendance, continues to be of value in that they have an opportunity to interact on a level that is very specific to their circumstances concerning workplace prevention, advice and compliance guidance. The Alliance team, have actively encouraged this time (private Q&A moment) with many attendees benefitting.

5. Upcoming Milestones

   Recently renewed this Alliance for a five-year period. Additionally, as noted live streaming webinars are in use for some presentations and now provide opportunities for participation other than “in-person”.

   Report prepared by:

   Carmine J. Pellosie, DO, MPH, MBA, FACOEM, Executive Director, Occupational Health Services, Lehigh Valley Health Network - HealthWorks

   Scott Appnel, Manager, Business Development – HealthWorks- Occupational Medicine
   Populytics Inc.

   Scott G. Shimandle, Comp. Asst. Specialist, USDOL/OSHA – Allentown, October 9, 2018.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
And the
Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI)

1. Alliance Background

   1. Date Signed

      Original agreement signed on August 23, 2003.
      Renewals: August 23, 2005; March 27, 2008; April 19, 2010; September 6, 2012 (rewrite/renewed); December 12, 2012; December 18, 2014; and January 19, 2017

   2. Evaluation Period

      August 28, 2018 - September 27, 2019

   3. Overview

      The purpose of this Alliance is to provide Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI) students, staff members and others, including public and private volunteer members of the Safety Occupational Advisory Council (Safety OAC) with information, guidance, and access to training resources in order to provide safety and health education to staff and students (young workers entering the workforce). Additional, the Alliance is to help promote safe work practices on and off the campus of LCTI and to ensure that youth understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

   4. Implementation Team Members

      Tim Rushton LCTI
      Kurt Adam, LCTI
      Scott G. Shimandle, USDOL/Allentown Area Office
      
      Alliance participant
      
      Daniel Kotran, Holly Custodio, LCTI
      Craig Berrier, Alvin H. Butz
      Tom Civic, Merck Sharpe and Dohme, retired
      James Casey, Praxair Distribution Inc. (in memory of)
      Bill Horn, Lutron Inc.
      James Rutt, Just Born Incorporated
      Anthony Naradko, Parkland School District

2. Implementation Team/Safety Advisory Council Meetings

   • October 18, 2018 Safety Occupational Advisory Council Meeting
   • December 20, 2018 Safety Occupational Advisory Council Meeting
   • March 21, 2019 Safety Occupational Advisory Council Meeting
   • April 25, 2019 Safety Occupational Advisory Council Meeting
   • May 16, 2019 Safety Occupational Advisory Council Meeting

   In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Alliance’s progress and results.

3. Results

   The following table summarizes the Alliance’s activities in support of the goals in the Alliance agreement.

    

   Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives: To share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
   Activity Type		Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported		Number Reached
   Alliance Product		No products developed at this time
   Training		An Introduction to OSHA and Workplace Safety	Youth Safety LO/TO, PPE, HazCom, WWS, Healthcare, Welding, Fall Protection and Trench Safety		23
   Dissemination		Youth related safety news articles   Retail Industry and Workplace Violence   Fatigue	Youth Safety Construction Falls		300 (estimated based on specific school programs)
   Speech/ Presentation		PA Career Technical Education Conference - Safety and Health with Career and Technical Education Institutions – A review of OSHA Alliances and our collaborative approach to workplace safety and health through/and with schools	OSHA and Career Technical Education, Young Workers		128
   Other		Email Communications			Unknown
   Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives: To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on youth safety to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary		OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported		Number Reached
   Meetings	5 Safety Occupational Advisory Meetings held over the evaluation period. One meeting was canceled due to inclement weather.		Numerous S/H topics discussed including student and faculty injuries, related accident investigations, school inspection findings and new notification systems for emergencies.		38 (167 Committee Members) Note: Not all members were attendance at each meeting
   Training and Education: To review and provide input on effective training and education curricula for youth entering the workforce to promote understanding of workers’ rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, and the responsibilities of employers and to communicate such information to workers and employers. To deliver various safety and health related topics including but not limited to: understanding worker rights, fall, struck-by, caught between, electrical hazards, material handling hazards, use of personal protective equipment and hazards associated with chemicals.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary		OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported		Number Reached
   Training	An Introduction to OSHA and Workplace Safety		Youth Safety LO/TO, PPE, HazCom, WWS, Healthcare, Welding, Fall Protection and Trench Safety		23
   Speech/ Presentation	PA Career Technical Education Conference - Safety and Health with Career and Technical Education Institutions – A review of OSHA Alliances and our collaborative approach to workplace safety and health through/and with schools		OSHA and Career Technical Education, Young Workers		128
   Meeting	Meeting with LCTI’s Safety Committee – Topic of focus was on Near Miss and Accident Investigations, process and techniques		Young Workers Safety & Health Programs/Committees		12
   Outreach and Communication: To develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to develop ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA’s and the LCTI’s Web sites) to students, faculty, employers serving on Occupational Advisory Councils and other academic (career and technical) institutions.   To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA’s or LCTI’s conferences, local meetings, or other Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education events.   To share information among OSHA personnel, academia and industry safety and health professionals regarding LCTI’s best practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum) developed by the Participants.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary		OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported		Number Reached
   Meetings	See above
   Training	See above
   Speech/Presentation	See above
   TOTAL				Approx. 500 (relisted events not counted twice)

    

4. Evaluations

   As noted in previous evaluations the only issue that has some significant bearing on the Alliance’s implementation is that the Safety OAC only meets during the academic school year. Therefore, the insight, technical assistance and expansion of safety and health promotion beyond the school may be somewhat limited. However, the AAO CAS continues to be in constant contact with LCTI officials throughout the entire year, as Building Maintenance and Services are year round functions. Additionally, as new articles or resources are identified, the AAO CAS continues to forward information to LCTI’s administrators and faculty as relevant and pertinent to their programs.

   As noted above one of the outreach efforts conducted during this evaluation period was for the Pennsylvania Cooperative Ed. Assoc. Conference, which was at Penn State University, in State College, PA. The presentation focused on Safety and Health with Career and Technical Education Institutions, with a focus on OSHA Alliances and the assistance that may be provided to assist schools in educating youth and academia on workplace safety and health. There were nearly 100 different schools represented from all over the Commonwealth. In addition to the presentation, a booth had been set up to provide attendees with the resources (posters, booklets, QuickCards, FactSheets and pamphlets) to assist their own safety committees and use for classroom lessons.

5. Upcoming Milestones

   Plans for the next school year includes efforts to increase the number of Safety Occupational Advisory Council members attending the meetings. This is more important considering that one of the active members past away earlier this year.

   Report prepared by: Scott G. Shimandle, CAS, Allentown Area Office, Sept. 4, 2019.

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
WILKES-BARRE AREA OFFICE
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA MANUFACTURERS AND EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Wilkes-Barre Area Office and The Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association (NEPA MAEA) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. To that end, OSHA and NEPA MAEA hereby form an Alliance to provide NEPA MAEA members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers, particularly by reducing and preventing exposure to emerging general industry hazards and addressing hazard recognition and control programs, injury and illness prevention programs, effective safety training issues, and understanding the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

This agreement provides a framework and objectives for the Alliance’s activities. Alliance participants will summarize specific activities and timeframes for completion in a written work plan.

Through the Alliance, the organizations will use relevant injury, illness and hazard exposure data when appropriate to help identify areas of emphasis for Alliance awareness, outreach, and communication activities. The Alliance will also explore and implement selected options, including but not limited to member surveys, to evaluate the Alliance and measure the impact on improving workplace safety and health. In developing this Alliance, OSHA and NEPA MAEA recognize that OSHA’s State Plan and On-site Consultation Program partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort, and that information about the products and activities of the Alliance may be shared with these partners for the advancement of common goals.

Raising Awareness: Outreach and Communication

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following objectives:

• Share information on OSHA’s National Initiatives (Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, Outreach), and opportunities to participate in initiatives and the rulemaking process.
• Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
• Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA and NEPA MAEA conferences, local meetings, or other workshops and events.
• Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on various safety and health topics including but not limited to general industry hazards and injury and illness prevention plans to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.

Training and Education

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following objectives:

• Develop effective training and education programs for students, adjudicated young adults, and limited or English as a second language speaking workers participating in the Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Council training and education programs (YES) regarding youth entering the workforce to promote the understanding of workers’ rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, and to communicate such information to employers and workers.
• Develop effective training and education programs for NEPA MAEA members to promote understanding of workers’ rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, the responsibilities of employers, and to communicate such information to workers and employers.

OSHA’s Alliances provide organizations an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as raising awareness of OSHA’s initiatives, outreach, communication, training, and education. These Alliances have proven to be valuable tools for both OSHA and Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with an organization, OSHA is not endorsing or promoting, nor does it intend to endorse or promote, any organization’s products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of each organization will meet to develop a work plan, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least two times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. OSHA team members will include representatives of the Wilkes-Barre Area Office and any other appropriate offices.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Either signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days written notice. This Agreement may be modified at any time with the written concurrence of both signatories.

Signed this 15^th day of August, 2019

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
ALLENTOWN AREA OFFICE
LEHIGH SAFETY COMMITTEE
A CONSORTIUM OF THE
LEHIGH VALLEY AREA LABOR-MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE GREATER LEHGH VALLEY
NORTHAMPTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
December 13, 2011

1. Alliance Background
   
   Date Signed:
   
   December 15, 2009
   
   Date Renewed:
   
   December 12, 2011
   
   Alliance Overview:
   
   The Lehigh Valley Labor Management Council is an organization of business, labor and community leaders formed to improve relations between labor and management resulting in a positive image, economic growth, and improved quality of life for unions, companies, and the communities served in and around the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. The United States Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USDOL/OSHA) alliance provides members and others with information, training, guidance and access to OSHA resources that will help them reduce the potential for workplace injury and illness.
   
   Implementation Team Members
   
   Tyrone Reed, Alvin H. Butz
   Mike Tirrell, Lehigh Valley Area Labor Management Council
   Timothy Duncan, City of Allentown
   Jennifer Castellano, American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
   Karl Buesgen, Jr., Orlando Diefenderfer Electrical Contractor
   Lee Cunningham, West Side-Hammer Electric
   Scott Parker, Brandenburg Industrial Service Company
   Andrew Kubick, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local No. 375
   Jacque Creamer, Jr., Pennsylvania Power Light (PPL) Corporation
   Thomas Barnowski, Northampton Community College (NCC)
   Judith Rex, Northampton Community College
   Robert Millet, Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Mediation
   Cynthia J. Mellen, PA/OSHA Consultation Program at Indiana University of PA
   Scott G. Shimandle, USDOL/OSHA Allentown Area Office
   Richard M. Fetzer, United States – Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)


2. Implementation Team Meetings
    

   January 10, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at American Red Cross (Bethlehem, PA)
   February 14, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at Northampton Community College (NCC) – Fowler Center (Bethlehem, PA)
   March 14, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at PPL Walbert Training Center (Allentown, PA)
   April 5, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC – Fowler Center (Bethlehem, PA)
   May 2, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC – Fowler Center
   June 6, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC – Fowler Center
   July 6, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at PPL Walbert Training Center
   August 8, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC – Fowler Center
   Sept. 19, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC – Fowler Center
   Oct. 17, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at Alvin H. Butz, Inc. (Allentown, PA)
   Nov. 21, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at Alvin H. Butz, Inc.
   Dec. 12, 2011	Safety Alliance Committee meeting at NCC – Fowler Center



3. Activites and Products
   
   Evaluation Period
   
   December 14, 2010 through December 12, 2011.
   
   Alliance Activity
    
   • Training and Education
     
     1. February 15, 2011 -“Safety Committee Survival in a Down Economy – Best Practices for Maintaining a Safe Workplace with a Limited Budget” was a series of three presentations. The first speaker was Kevin Vrablic, MD, of HealthWorks - Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, who presented information on the various types of injuries and illnesses that have been experienced within the Lehigh Valley area of the last few years. The second speaker was Andrew Gruber, who is a Senior Safety Consultant for The Graham Company. His presentation focused on “Safety Leadership Training for Safety Committee Members” and the critical success factors for an effective safety committee. The final presenter was, Jean E. Davis, Loss Control Supervisor for Selective Insurance. Her presentation was a Safety Management Success Story” in which she provided the attendees with solutions that were developed by a client’s safety committee and subsequently through their efforts how they aided in reducing their injury and illness severity factor and their worker compensation loss ratio.
     
     2. March 8, 2011- “Construction Safety - The Need to be Safety Minded”. This outreach activity was a discussion presented by the Allentown Area Office Compliance Assistance Specialist at the Bethlehem Arts Quest Center and focused on some of the local fatal accidents within the Lehigh Valley Area.
     
     3. May 18, 2011 – “Personal Protective Equipment Workshop” was a day long event, which included numerous presentations on various topics including regulatory awareness, best practices with personal protective equipment (PPE), and effective PPE usage. The day also featured several vendor demonstrations and the opportunity for networking with many equipment vendors.
     
     4. September 20, 2011 – “Workplace Injuries and the Value of Wellness Programs”. This outreach event was another series of several presenters, including Kevin Vrablik, MD, of HealthWorks - Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, who returned to continue his previous discussion on how occupational injuries have had an affect on the injured employee, their families and their employer. We then had two informal presentations – open discussions – on the “Value of Wellness Programs”. The first discussion was lead by a representative of the City of Allentown, who shared her efforts with a Wellness Campaign for city employees and the success of their efforts. The second discussion was lead by a representative from the Allentown Health Bureau, who shared that employers need to look beyond the “typical” wellness programs (e.g. weight loss programs and smoking cessation programs) and to find ways to engage employees in open dialog about workplace or home issues that may have an impact on their well being (mental well being), and that by opening up the opportunity for employees to share ideas, thoughts, or concerns, the employees may be willing to initiate workplace programs that address their personal issues, thus getting more employees involved in their own safety – even if it for personal/selfish reasons.
   
   
   • Outreach and Communication
     
     See comments above for Training and Education
   
   
   • Promoting the National Dialogue on Safety and Health
     
     No national events held during this time frame. However, it should be noted that Northampton Community College (NCC) continues to post information on the OSHA Alliance and each of the upcoming free events on their website at www.northampton.edu. Through the Community Colleges Center for Business & Industry – Public Safety & Emergency Services – Corporate Safety, an independent page has been established for the Lehigh Valley Safety Alliance. All businesses and individuals who attend (or attended) NCC courses within the Corporate Safety Program are provided frequent updates to promote the events not only within the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, but also globally.
     
     Additionally, many of the members and attendees are affiliated with various other professional and business organizations, and pass these events along to their contacts. Associations include but are not limited to: the American Society of Safety Engineers, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, Home Builders Associations, National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker Unions, Local Nos. 375 and 1600.
     
     Finally, in the scope of national promotion of safety and health it should be noted that many of the vendors who attended and participated in the September 20, 2011 - Personal Protective Equipment Workshop, were from companies that sell their products and services not only nationally, but also internationally, as well. Comments that were received from the vendors were very positive and many received contacts for potential services and equipment.
   
   
    
   Alliance Products.
    
   • Training and Education
   • Outreach and Communication
   • Promoting the National Dialogue on Safety and Health
   
   
   The only products developed during this evaluation period were numerous PowerPoint presentations that were developed by each of the presenters, as well as flyers which were used to announce/register for these events. At this time, these presentations have not yet been made available on a national level, unless an attendee or presenter either copied or shared their information with others – this information has not been requested or tracked.


4. Results
   
   A. The table below lists each of the outreach activities and the number of individuals reached during the reporting period.
   
   NOTE: The table below does not include the many meetings held over the last year and the numerous participants that benefitted from the varied safety and health discussions at each of the meetings (listed above in Section II – Implementation Team Meetings/Activities).
    

   Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
   Safety Committee in a Down Economy	47
   Construction  Safety – The Need to be Safety Minded	65
   Personal Protective Equipment Workshop	150
   Workplace Injuries and Wellness Programs	16
   TOTAL	278

5. Upcoming Milestones
   
   The Lehigh Valley Safety Committee is currently working on its 4th Safety Expo event. This event will again be held at DeSales University, located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, and is scheduled to be held on May 15, 2012. Current plans are to consist of three different “tracks” for the attendees to select from including: (1) Pennsylvania Certification Training for Safety Committees, which will include an application workshop, safety committee operation and function training, hazard identification and accident investigation sessions; (2) Pre-Planning for Safety, which may include such topics as job site pre-construction meetings and contractor bid reviews, contractor safety and health program assessment, job site inspections, and the development and use of job safety analysis’; and the final “track” (3) will focus on Work and Life Initiatives – Wellness Programs. This cluster of sessions may include such topics as first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the non-designated responder (for work or home), bloodborne pathogen, fire extinguisher use, and stress management.
   
   Report Prepared by: Scott G. Shimandle, CAS Allentown Area Office
   
   For more information, contact the Office of Outreach Services and Alliances at 202-693-2340 or go to www.osha.gov.

Associated Builders & Contractors - Delaware Chapter and Department of Labor/Delaware OSHA Consultation

Members of the ABC Delaware Safety, Health & Wellness Committee pose with the signatories at the alliance signing ceremony on June 15, 2016. (standing, left to right): Members of the ABC Delaware Safety, Health & Wellness Committee: Jake Czerwin-Advanced Power Control, Richard Eitel-Pearce & Moretto, Mike Anderson-Nickle Electrical Companies, Brian Martinenza-Service Unlimited, Frank Dobson-Dobson Associates, Giff Nowland-Nowland Associates, Craig Campbell-Bramhall Hitchen Insurance, Todd Moran-M. Davis, Marc Klair-RC Fabricators, Brian Eppelheimer-J.F. Sobieski Mechanical, Eric Charlebois-Wohlsen Construction, David Eppelheimer-J.F. Sobieski Mechanical, and Scott Baker-The Tri-M Group. (seated, left to right): Fred Eysaldt-OSHA Supervisor; Marie Wright-ABC Delaware Safety, Health & Wellness Committee Chair; Erin Patterson-OSHA Area Director; and Ed Capodanno, ABC Delaware President.

Fred Eysaldt, OSHA Supervisor; Marie Wright, ABC Delaware Safety, Health & Wellness Committee Chair; Erin Patterson, OSHA Area Director; and Ed Capodanno, ABC Delaware President; at the alliance signing ceremony on June 15, 2016.

(left) Kevin T. Chambers, MBA, MSc, ASHM, Area Director (right) Gene Barr, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry at the Alliance signing ceremony on November 2, 2021.

Jewell Lester, Vice President, Finance and Administration, PCBI, and Timothy W. Braun, Acting Area Director, OSHA Harrisburg Area Office, at the alliance signing ceremony on September 1, 2016.

Alex Halper, Director, Government Affairs, PCBI; Jewell Lester, Vice President, Finance and Administration, PCBI; Susan E. Smith, Educational Services Executive, PCBI; Timothy W. Braun, Acting Area Director, OSHA Harrisburg Area Office; and Dale Glacken, Compliance Assistance Specialist, OSHA Harrisburg Area Office; after the signing ceremony on September 1, 2016.

OSHA meeting with the President of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. (Left to right: Gene Barr, President and CEO, PCBI; Timothy W. Braun, Acting Area Director, OSHA Harrisburg Area Office; Dale Glacken, Compliance Assistance Specialist, OSHA Harrisburg Area Office.)

(Seated L to R) Sam Denisco, Vice President of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and Kevin Kilp, Area Director, Harrisburg Area Office, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (Standing L to R) Susan E. Smith, Educational Services Executive, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and Dale Glacken, Compliance Assistance Specialist, Harrisburg Area Office, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Alliance Renewal signing on July 18, 2014.

(Seated L to R) Don Holt, Vice President of Finance and Operations, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry; Kevin Kilp, Area Director, Harrisburg Area Office, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (Standing L to R) Dale Glacken, Compliance Assistance Specialist, Harrisburg Area Office, Occupational Safety and Health Administration; and Susan E. Smith, Educational Services Executive, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Alliance Renewal signing on March 5, 2012.

Brendan Claybaugh, Area Director, DOL-OSHA Erie Area Office; Cindy Nellis, Director, Clarion University, SBDC; and Sam Gualardo, Program Director, PA OSHA Consultation Service at the signing ceremony on February 13, 2018.

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN PENNSYLVANIA AREA OFFICES OF
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
PENNSYLVANIA OSHA CONSULTATION PROGRAM INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
AND
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRY BUREAU OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pennsylvania Area Offices (Allentown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia), Pennsylvania OSHA Consultation Program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry – Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (PA DLI BWC) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. To that end, OSHA and PA DLI BWC hereby form an Alliance to provide the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employers and employees with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers. Specific efforts will focus on promoting safety and health training, addressing workplace safety committee issues, and promoting an understanding of the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

This agreement provides a framework and objectives for the Alliance’s activities. Alliance participants will summarize specific activities and timeframes for completion in a written work plan.

Through the Alliance, the organizations will use relevant injury, illness and hazard exposure data when appropriate to help identify areas of emphasis for Alliance awareness, outreach, and communication activities. The Alliance will also explore and implement selected options, including but not limited to member surveys, to evaluate the Alliance and measure the impact on improving workplace safety and health. In developing this Alliance, OSHA and PA DLI BWC recognize that OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort, and that information about the products and activities of the Alliance may be shared with the partners for the advancement of common goals.

Raising Awareness: Outreach and Communication

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following objectives:

• Share information on OSHA’s National Initiatives (Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, Outreach), and opportunities to participate in initiatives and other activities.
• Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
• Develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and communicate such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA and the PA DLI BWC websites) to employers and workers in the industry.
• Share non-confidential trending data relative to injuries and illnesses that have been found within the covered counties of the OSHA offices which are signatory to this agreement, to aid in the development of local initiatives.
• Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA and PA DLI BWC conferences (PA Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference), local meetings, or other Safety Day events.
• Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
• Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding PA DLI BWC programs, including Pennsylvania Training for Health and Safety (PATHS), Health and Safety Data Processing and Management System (HandS), best practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
• Collaborate with PA DLI BWC and their trainers on OSHA initiatives, including Local, Regional, National Emphasis Programs, Stand Down Efforts (e.g. Fall Prevention, Trench Safety, Forklift Safety, etc.) and National Campaigns (e.g. Focus Four, Heat, Safe + Sound, etc.).

Training and Education

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following objectives:

• Develop effective training and education programs for PA DLI BWC trainers regarding OSHA standards and initiatives to enhance their efforts to communicate such information to constituent employers and workers.
• Develop effective training and education programs for OSHA staff regarding PA DLI BWC mandates, programs and initiatives to enhance OSHA’s efforts to communicate such information to various stakeholders, employers, and workers.
• Develop effective training and education programs for PA OSHA Consultation staff regarding PA DLI BWC mandates, programs and initiatives to enhance OSHA’s efforts to communicate such information to various stakeholders, employers, and workers.
• Deliver or arrange for the delivery of OSHA outreach activities and PA DLI BWC safety and health courses, for various stakeholders including career and technical schools/institutions (high school and secondary education).
• Develop effective training and education programs for PA DLI BWC and their stakeholders to promote an understanding of workers’ rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, and the responsibilities of employers and to communicate such information to workers and employers.

OSHA’s Alliances provide organizations an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as raising awareness of OSHA’s initiatives, outreach, communication, training, and education. These Alliances have proven to be valuable tools for both OSHA and Alliance participants. By entering into this Alliance, neither OSHA nor PA DLI BWC is endorsing or promoting, nor does it intend to endorse or promote, any of the other organizations’ products or services apart from those contemplated by this agreement.

An implementation team made up of representatives of each organization will meet to develop a work plan, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least two times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. OSHA team members will include representatives of the Allentown, Harrisburg and Philadelphia OSHA Offices, as resources permit. OSHA will encourage the OSHA On-Site Consultation programs’ participation on the team, as resources permit.

This agreement, including participation in any and all activities or objectives to be performed hereunder, is strictly voluntary. This agreement is not intended to and does not create any contractual rights or obligations with respect to the signatory entities or any other parties.

This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Any signatory may terminate their continued participation in this agreement for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days written notice. This agreement may be modified at any time with the written concurrence of all signatories.

Signed this 9^th day of September, 2019.

Alliance Agreement Signature Page