“Our association is very pleased to join with OSHA and PPSA on this important venture,” said Sharon Kneiss, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at AF&PA. “We support efforts to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.”

“We look forward to assisting both OSHA employees and our industry's workers in determining what ergonomic-related hazards may exist in our production processes and to the development of success stories,” added Pamela J. Cordier, PPSA Executive Director.

Through the alliance, OSHA, AF&PA and PPSA will provide members of the organizations and others in the forest, pulp, paper, and paper-converting industries with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic hazards.

The three organizations will participate in forums, round-table discussions and stakeholder meetings. A team of OSHA, AF&PA and PPSA representatives will meet at least three times a year to develop an action plan, determine working procedures and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants.