OSHA, SkillsUSA prepare workforce of the future

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) renewed its Alliance with SkillsUSA to continue providing career and technical educators and their students with resources that will protect the safety and health of young employees.

"These young people are America's future workforce," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "Early education to understand safety and health issues will enable the next generation to develop and practice safe work habits. I am pleased to continue this important Alliance with SkillsUSA as we extend our efforts to protect young employees nationwide."

Through the OSHA and SkillsUSA Alliance, OSHA representatives participated in the National Leadership and Skills Conference where Assistant Secretary Foulke gave a presentation entitled, "OSHA Update and the OSHA and SkillsUSA Alliance." SkillsUSA students, teachers and safety and health professionals attended the OSHA-sponsored 2006 and 2007 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign kick-off, a multi-year project that increases awareness about workplace hazards and provides information to young employees and their parents on how to avoid those hazards. In addition, representatives of SkillsUSA and other Alliance Program participants supported the 2006 and 2007 North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, which focused on the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

"Renewal of the SkillsUSA/OSHA Alliance will help us continue the excellent work to raise youth awareness of occupational health and safety," said Timothy W. Lawrence, executive director, SkillsUSA. "The Alliance has helped youth all across the nation be more mindful of the issues that will impact their well-being as they rise to be part of America's 21st Century workforce. We are thrilled with the joint activities and awareness programs carried out thus far through the Alliance and look forward to a productive partnership in the coming years."

SkillsUSA is a national organization comprised of students, teachers and industry representatives working cooperatively to ensure that America has a skilled workforce. More than 279,000 students and instructors join SkillsUSA each year. Since 1965, the organization has assisted over 8.8 million members.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.