How Does OSHA Collaborate with Unions to Protect Workers?

OSHA’s Partnerships with Unions and Trade Groups

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) actively collaborates with unions and trade groups to enhance workplace safety and protect workers’ rights. This partnership approach allows OSHA to leverage the expertise and reach of labor organizations to develop and implement effective safety measures.

OSHA’s Alliance Program is a key initiative that facilitates voluntary, collaborative relationships with organizations committed to workplace safety. Through this program, OSHA works closely with unions and trade associations to:

Develop multilingual safety guidance
Deploy resources such as safety articles
Conduct cross-training for staff
Partner on investigative efforts
Enforce anti-retaliation provisions

Expanding Impact Through Interagency Coordination

OSHA has also strengthened its partnership with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to provide comprehensive protection for workers. This collaboration aims to:

Promote safe and healthy workplaces by protecting worker voice
Share information between agencies
Conduct joint training sessions
Coordinate enforcement efforts

The partnership recognizes that many worker efforts to improve workplace safety are protected under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the National Labor Relations Act. By working together, OSHA and NLRB can more effectively address workplace violations and retaliation against workers who report safety concerns.

Addressing Specific Industry Challenges

OSHA’s collaborative approach extends to addressing industry-specific safety challenges. For example, the agency has partnered with employers, unions, and trade groups to tackle high injury and fatality rates in certain sectors. These partnerships focus on:

Collecting data on serious and potential serious injuries
Identifying root causes of workplace accidents
Developing targeted safety interventions

By working closely with unions and industry stakeholders, OSHA can develop more effective strategies to prevent workplace accidents and protect workers across various sectors.