OSHA and ISEA Team Up to Protect Workers

On June 21, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) signed an alliance with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) to provide workers and employers with information on how to use, maintain, and store personal safety equipment.

The two organizations hope to share information to develop national consensus standards for safety equipment during their two-year agreement.

(Related Article: FDA Decreases Regulations on N95 Mask Manufacturing)

“ISEA welcomes this opportunity to collaborate with OSHA in developing and sharing information, as well as promoting dialogue with and among private industry stakeholders,” said ISEA president Charles Johnson. “Making America’s workers and workplaces even safer requires both the right equipment and the right rules that regulate its use.”

Here is what both groups plan to do under the alliance:

ISEA agrees to:

• Share their research on OSHA’s National Emphasis Programs and Regulatory Agenda while allowing the agency opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process
• Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, specifically the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers
• Collaborate with OSHA in forums, discussions, and stakeholder meetings on PPE issues to create innovative solutions

(Related Article: Respirator Seal Checks Essential for Workers)

OSHA agrees to:

• Develop ways to communicate information on proper usage of PPE whether by print, electronic media, or OSHA and ISEA websites to reach employers and workers.
• Share information among industry safety and health professionals and OSHA personnel on developments in the national consensus for PPE standards by way of training programs, seminars, lectures, and workshops.
• Speak on these topics at OSHA and ISEA conferences, local meetings, and other regional events.

What is the ISEA?

ISEA is the trade association for personal protective equipment and technology in the U.S. Members of the group are global leaders in design, manufacturing, testing, protective clothing, and safety equipment. Since 1993, ISEA has set the industry standard for what PPE should be. The goal of the group is to unite companies in protecting the health and safety of people around the world.

The association has previously partnered with OSHA through their alliance program to share information for agency campaigns such as National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, Heat Illness Prevention, and Safe + Sound Week. ISEA is also known for their charitable contributions of PPE in times of need — such as donating equipment to workers and volunteers following hurricanes in Texas and Puerto Rico.

OSHA’s Alliance Program allows the agency to collaborate with groups that are committed to worker safety and health. These alliances can help OSHA target specific audiences such as high-hazard industry workers to provide them better access to resources, information, and health and safety tools.

Contact Worksite Medical® For Your Medical Surveillance Testing

Employers can stay up-to-date with personal protective equipment requirements for their industry with Worksite Medical. Protection for workers is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay on top of compliance. Our mobile medical units can come directly to your work site and test your equipment to make sure your workers are adequately protected with services such as respirator fit testing and the respirator medical clearance questionnaire (available online). Give us a call at 1-844-OCCUMED to schedule a visit today, or learn more about our services.