The Occupational Hygiene Training Association (OHTA) has announced a new partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
NIOSH and OHTA have agreed to use their collaborative efforts and expertise to advance the protection of workers and to promote best practices to improve worker safety and health. A four year agreement outlines areas of collaboration which may include: developing and enhancing training resources, participation at occupational health and safety conferences and meetings, and sharing and exchanging occupational health and safety information resources.
Work between the groups began during the summer, when NIOSH experts joined the editorial review teams of several OHTA modules. The modules – some undergoing revision and some in initial development – were chosen because they were a suitable fit for NIOSH expertise and in particular need of volunteer resource. The review teams will be continuing their work over the coming months.
Nancy McClellan, M.P.H.,CIH, CHMM, AIHA Board of Directors, Co-Chair of the OHTA Board and also OHTA/NIOSH liaison said: “This is an exciting development. NIOSH and OHTA share a common mission – to contribute to the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases worldwide. NIOSH’s generous contribution of expertise brings enhanced skills and knowledge to the OHTA editorial team as we continue to develop our portfolio of high quality OH/IH training materials.”
John Howard, MD, Director of NIOSH said: “We look forward to continuing our work with OHTA and bringing together our shared knowledge and expertise to benefit all workers. This collaboration is an important part of our efforts to move our research into practice.”
Chris Laszcz-Davis, MS, CIH, FAIHA, AIC Fellow, Co-chair of the OHTA Board of Directors and Member of NIOSH’s Board of Scientific Counsellors (BSC), said: “This is just the beginning, and there are many areas in which this partnership can add value to both organisations. We’re thrilled to have entered into this agreement with NIOSH, and we will update our stakeholders on progress in future months.”
This comes at a time of renewed focus and energy for the OHTA leadership as they seek to forge alliances with like-minded organisations and secure additional funding for the next phase of OHTA growth. Existing collaborations with partner organisations are being strengthened, while new partnerships are in development, in pursuit of the shared goal of global prevention of worker illness and injury.
22 January 2018
