WASHINGTON -- Protecting concrete pipe workers from the dangers found in confined spaces is the goal of an Alliance signed today by the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

"Confined space hazards are real and dangerous," OSHA Administrator John Henshaw said, "and this Alliance will go a long way to ensuring that workers in the concrete pipe industry are armed with safeguards to protect themselves. Our cooperative relationship with ACPA is the right step to take to advance safety and health protection for these workers, and we look forward to a long and productive association."

"The American Concrete Pipe Association is excited about this opportunity to bridge the gap between our industry and OSHA," added Rich Holston, Chair of the ACPA Safety Task Group. "It's our belief that this confined space Alliance is the beginning of a long term relationship that will further promote a safe workplace for our member companies and their employees."

OSHA's Alliance with ACPA focuses on providing its members and others in the industry with information on developing, implementing, or improving confined space programs. ACPA will assist OSHA in identifying safety and health issues specific to the concrete pipe industry that can be addressed in web-based electronic tools and other electric assistance products on OSHA's website.

Both organizations will cross train personnel in confined space hazards specific to the concrete pipe industry, and best practices, as jointly determined by OSHA and ACPA. Both organizations will pursue opportunities to speak, exhibit, or appear at conferences such as the annual ACPA conference, local meetings, or other events that serve the industry.

Additionally, both organizations will explore opportunities to establish forums at ACPA conferences and regional or state chapter meetings to discuss injuries and illnesses relating to confined space issues that frequently occur in ACPA member's plants. The forums will provide a means to forge innovative solutions to these problems in the workplace.

Finally, ACPA members will be provided information on the potential benefits of participating in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation, and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).

ACPA provides members with research, technical, and marketing support to promote and advance the use of concrete pipe for drainage and pollution control applications. Currently, there are more than 400 plants operated by ACPA members in the United States and Canada.