Dow Renews OSHA Alliance for Third Time

The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have renewed their Alliance and will continue to focus on advancing a culture of prevention of safety and health hazards for the nation’s working men and women. Dow and OSHA will jointly promote the case for safer, healthier workplaces by sharing proven practices and technical knowledge in areas such as process safety management, safety and health management systems, emergency preparedness, and employee wellness programs.

“Dow’s dedication to exceptional safety and health performance is part of Dow’s DNA and culture, and our 2015 Sustainability Goals and our ‘Vision of Zero’ exemplify our commitment,” said Neil Hawkins, vice president of sustainability for Dow. “Collaborating with OSHA to share our experiences and knowledge creates a mutually beneficial program that helps leverage our expertise to others. We are very pleased and gratified to renew our Alliance.”

Through the Alliance, Dow has completed three case studies – summarized in the slide presentation Overview of OSHA and The Dow Chemical Company Case Studies – that illustrate the practical benefits of an effective occupational safety and health program. Dow representatives serve on the editorial board for OSHA’s Ammonia Refrigeration eTool, as well as the editorial boards of several OSHA Safety and Health Topics Pages, including Process Safety Management, Ammonia Refrigeration, Isocyanates, and Chemical Reactivity Hazards.

“The renewal of this Alliance with The Dow Chemical Company is more good news for the safety and health of our nation’s employees,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. “The ideas shared by Dow and OSHA in the past have helped to identify and prevent occupational hazards, and we are eagerly anticipating more success ahead.”

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to promote the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

Dow’s participation in collaborative partnerships extends around the global. Dow and China’s State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) kicked off a 3-year project in 2006 aimed at fostering and promoting a better understanding and awareness among small- and medium-sized enterprises on the importance of chemical safety management.