The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC) have formed an alliance that focuses on safety and health issues, including fall protection, silica and equipment operation hazards.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work closely with the ADSC to advance safer and more healthful workplaces in the foundation drilling industry,” says acting assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jonathan Snare. “We look forward to utilizing our joint resources to provide workers the information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them stay safe and healthy on the job.”

“In becoming a signatory to this alliance, the International Association of Foundation Drilling, and its 900 company members, look forward to a productive, positive and long-term partnership with OSHA in working together to develop, promote and implement continued safe practices in the drilled foundation and anchored earth retention industries,” says Bill Maher, ADSC president. “This alliance represents a model cooperative relationship between government and industry that will benefit employers and employees alike.”

The alliance calls on OSHA and ADSC to provide expertise to develop training and education programs, and workplace safety and heath curricula for small businesses and non-English- or limited-English-speaking employees on fall protection, silica, pinch-point and equipment operation hazards.

ADSC will work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards and establishing ways of communicating the information to employers and employees in the industry.