The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced an alliance with Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, North Dakota, focusing on safety training for workers in the wind power industry. OSHA will provide assistance in the development of training related to working safely when exposed to hazards inherent to the wind power industry. Lake Region State College will offer training for students on the commissioning, operation, and maintenance of electrical generation equipment and control systems for wind turbine generation systems. “This is a great opportunity for OSHA and LRSC to work together to heighten the awareness of the hazards associated with the wind power generation industry,” says Greg Baxter, OSHA’s regional administrator.
Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. Also go to www.lrsc.edu.
