Metalforming Group Allies With Michigan OSHA
CLEVELAND, OH -- The East and West Michigan Districts of the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) have signed an alliance agreement with the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA) to promote the safety and health of workers in the metalforming industry.

The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

"Safety is of utmost importance to the metalforming industry," said PMA President William E. Gaskin. "PMA and its East and West Michigan Districts look forward to working closely with MIOSHA through this alliance to provide Michigan metalformers with detailed information and easy access to training resources that will help protect employee safety and health."

The key goals of the alliance include:
o Working together to develop training resources and other materials to promote worker safety in the metalforming industry.
o Reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic hazards and addressing press safety issues such as machine guarding and lockout/tagout to prevent injuries.
o Improving communication and cooperation between district members and MIOSHA, resulting in improved program delivery.
o Promoting the MIOSHA Training Institute and MIOSHA cooperative programs to district members.
o Producing safer, better-trained district members, and the employees of their respective companies.

Signing the alliance were: William E. Gaskin, President, PMA; Richard Sbroglia, Safety Committee Chair, PMA East Michigan District; Joe Hartings; Safety Committee Chair, PMA West Michigan District; Doug Kalinowski, Director, MIOSHA Program; Martha Yoder, Deputy Director, MIOSHA Program; and Connie O'Neill, Director, MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training Division.

"We are pleased to join with the Precision Metalforming Association and its East and West Michigan Districts to protect our working men and women in the metalforming industry," said MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski. "This alliance offers great opportunities to share best practices and help create safer and healthier workplaces throughout Michigan."

"The MIOSHA program is dedicated to working with employers, both public and private sector - to find innovative ways to enhance workplace safety and health," Kalinowski continued. "Through alliances, MIOSHA can offer employers a voluntary, cooperative relationship to eliminate serious hazards and achieve a high level of safety and health."

PMA is the full-service trade association representing the $91-billion metalforming industry of North America-the industry that creates precision metal products using stamping, fabricating, spinning, slide forming and roll forming technologies, and other value-added processes.

More information about the MIOSHA alliance program is available at www.michigan.gov/miosha or by contacting the Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division at 517-322-1809.