March 24, 2003—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has formed an Alliance with a leading organization dedicated to preventing and managing occupational and environmental injuries and illnesses. The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) added its name March 19 to the list of 21 other organizations that have formalized Alliances with OSHA, and is the 12th group to focus specifically on ergonomic-related injuries.
This Alliance will give OSHA and ACOEM the opportunity to develop training modules and educational programs for health care providers on ergonomics issues, and facilitate the training of occupational medicine residents in recognizing and treating injuries that may be ergonomic-related.
With this Alliance, OSHA plans to “tap the significant resources of medical experience and expertise that ACOEM occupational and environmental physicians have in identifying and treating musculoskeletal injuries.”
ACOEM adds, “Occupational physicians who are cross-trained in medicine and workplace health and safety are key to further reductions of on-the-job injuries and illnesses.”
OSHA and ACOEM will develop and disseminate information at conferences, events, and through media outlets, including their individual Web sites. The two will encourage wide implementation in industry of ergonomic hazard recognition strategies and analytical tools that work, and stress the importance of sound ergonomic programs to business.
