The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is joining forces with the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) in a wide-ranging effort to protect workers and promote best practices.

Under the agreement announced yesterday, NIOSH and RILA will collaborate to encourage employers to develop and utilize safety and health management programs and effective prevention strategies and technologies. According to a NIOSH press release, the formal partnership will provide “outreach, communication, and professional development opportunities in occupational safety and health to retail companies, supply partners, and other industry stakeholders. “

"Partnerships are a critical part of improving the safety and health of all workers," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. "We are excited to join with RILA in advancing and collaborating on best practices in occupational safety and health research."

"RILA members place the highest importance on ensuring the safety and well-being of their workforces and we are excited to join forces with NIOSH to find proactive solutions to the health and safety issues affecting the industry," said Lisa LaBruno, vice president of loss prevention and legal affairs.

Through this partnership, NIOSH and RILA will collaborate and share information on occupational safety and health issues that affect the retail community through:

• Developing and disseminating information on worker safety and health
• Participating at conferences, meetings and other key events addressing occupational safety and health issues
• Advancing the effectiveness of occupational safety and health research
• Promoting and facilitating the transfer and workplace implementation of effective occupational injury prevention strategies and technologies

NIOSH is the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. RILA represents more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service supplies, and develops and promotes policies, programs and forums supporting their members, customers, supplier partners, and other industry stakeholders.