Alliance will promote dialogue on workplace safety and health by providing stakeholders with information and guidance on the USA's nationally recognised testing laboratory programme
The official signing of the alliance between the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL) took place on 29 July in the headquarters building of the US Department of Labor.
Following the signing, ACIL chairman Jerry Weathers said: "The OSHA nationally recognised testing laboratory programme is an indispensable component in ensuring the health and safety of employees in the workplace.
"ACIL is pleased to work with OSHA to improve understanding of this programme by all sectors and enhance its effectiveness".
Now that the alliance is signed, the real work between ACIL and OSHA begins.
The alliance will promote a national dialogue in the USA on workplace safety and health by providing stakeholders with information and guidance on the purpose and requirements of the NRTL programme and raising awareness and understanding of the value of the NRTL's marks on safety products and equipment.
Among its goals, the alliance details training and education, outreach and communication.
An implementation team composed of representatives of both organisations will develop a plan of action, determine working procedures and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants.
The initial term of the alliance is two years.
