OSHA & AMI set up an alliance program to educate and train employees on mushroom farms.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has joined the American Mushroom Institute (AMI) to help businesses protect employees from exposure to falls, amputations, and chemical, electrical and other physical hazards, as well as to develop and implement effective safety and health programs. The two organizations officially began their alliance at a recent signing ceremony held at the AMI Avondale office.

"This alliance will provide a necessary bridge to members of the mushroom industry so that we can provide employees with the tools they need to stay safe and healthy on the job," said AI D'Imperio, director of OSHA's Philadelphia area office.

OSHA and AMI will work together to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards in the mushroom growing industry, and provide expertise in developing innovative ways of sharing this information with employers and employees. The alliance also will promote and encourage participation in OSHA's cooperative programs, such as its Voluntary Protection Programs and its consultative services, such as the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

OSHA alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao's ongoing effort to improve the health and safety of employees through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations and employers. OSHA currently has 471 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

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For more information, contact OSHA's Philadelphia office, 215/597-4955 or the AMI Avondale office, 610/268-7483.