OSHA and the American Red Cross announced a renewal of their alliance to continue efforts to reduce workplace incidents and protect workers from hazardous exposures. During this five-year alliance, OSHA and the Red Cross will focus on providing workers and employers with information and training resources on emergency preparedness, disease prevention education and first aid.

“Our alliance with the Red Cross over the past 10 years has allowed us to share safety and health information with workers, particularly those most vulnerable to workplace hazards,” says David Michaels, OSHA assistant secretary of labor. “We look forward to continuing this partnership to provide workers with the resources necessary to stay safe and healthy on the job.”

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.

According to OSHA, the Red Cross has been helpful in sharing information on updates to OSHA’s injury reporting requirements and also hosted a webinar on bloodborne pathogens and prevention of disease transmission in the workplace.