An alliance between the OSHA and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) was extended today with the continued goal of fostering a culture of prevention for safety and health hazards at U.S. jobsites, according to a press release from both the agency and the organization.

OSHA said the Alliance will remain focused on ergonomic hazards, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and motor vehicle safety. OSHA and ASSE will also address issues impacting non-English speaking and youth employees, and will continue to promote the annual North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week.

"The American Society of Safety Engineers is one of our country's leading voices in the campaign for occupational safety and health, and we are very pleased to continue teaming up with them," said OSHA director Edwin J. Foulke, Jr. "I am proud of the joint effort by OSHA and ASSE to promote workplace hazard awareness during the past five and a half years, and we are confident that our cooperation will continue to bring rewards in the form of safer, healthier American employees."

In 2007 ASSE representatives, along with other OSHA alliance program participants, helped develop a safety alert document for electrocution and shock hazards in shipyard employment. OSHA and ASSE have also worked together to sponsor a number of events and exhibits, including the NAOSH Week kick-off events in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

A number of local ASSE chapters have established cooperative agreements with local OSHA offices.