WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Safety Management Society (NSMS) joined in a formal Alliance to protect worker health and safety with a focus on integrated safety management systems and workplace safety and health programs, OSHA Administrator John Henshaw announced today.

"There can be no denying the value of committed management and solid management principles in establishing workplace safety and health," Henshaw said. "NSMS provides safety management expertise and I'm looking forward to working with them as we continue to foster a culture of worker safety and health."

Added James J. Thatcher, NSMS President: "We take great pleasure in signing this Alliance. Compliance with safety standards, safety management systems and building the kind of culture which encourages employee involvement and working as a team are what keeps workers safe and businesses competitive. This Alliance creates and fosters that kind of culture."

OSHA and NSMS have agreed to develop and provide effective safety management systems related training for conferences, meetings, and through NSMS' learning network, when both organizations jointly identify the need. Further, upon request, NSMS will provide OSHA's Training Institute with educational and training materials and resources on issues specific to safety management systems.

The Alliance will also provide a means to raise awareness through speeches and appearances by NSMS leaders of the benefits of incorporating integrated safety management systems into workplace safety and health programs. Additionally, OSHA and NSMS will develop information and guidance on safety management systems and disseminate that information through websites, newsletters, workshops and other resources.

OSHA and NSMS will share information on the best safety management systems of NSMS members, as jointly determined by both organizations, with both NSMS members and others in the occupational health and safety profession.

Finally, avenues and processes will be established for NSMS members to use to mentor and assist OSHA personnel as they proceed with professional certification.

Founded in 1968, NSMS is a non-profit organization that provides a forum for safety and health professionals to address safety and health management systems. The association conducts or sponsors research projects designed to identify new techniques and methods for implementing and improving safety and health management system programs.