Joint alliance to spearhead machine safety

Feb. 25, 2005

T

he Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Association for High Technology Distribution (AHTD) joined forces recently with hopes of improving the safety and health of workers in the machine automation industry. OSHA and AHTD signed a formal alliance that will provide industry workers and employers with information and guidance to raise awareness on the importance of proper selection, use, maintenance and installation of machine guarding equipment and the use of lockout/tagout procedures.

"AHTD is proud to join with OSHA in our effort to improve the level of safety on the factory floor. We look forward to working jointly with OSHA to share information with manufacturers on the latest tools and methods for safeguarding their workers while helping to improve productivity and competitiveness."

The new venture will promote worker safety and health in industrial workplaces and provide machine designers and industrial personnel with relevant information and access to training resources on machine guarding equipment and proper use of lockout/tagout procedures. The two organizations will jointly provide expertise in developing and disseminating information on machine guarding and lockout/tagout procedures and offer assistance on the best means to communicate that information to industry workers and employers. 

Formed in 1985, AHTD is made up of 132 automation solution provider companies from the U.S. and Canada and 77 manufacturers from around the world. The association's education and training programs provide information on technologies and solutions for machinery operators, supervisors and designers.