On May 27, 2004, OSHA, the Gulf Coast Maritime Safety Association (GCMSA) and Alabama Physical Therapy Association (ALAPTA) signed a Regional Alliance recognizing the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces.  OSHA, GCMSA, and ALAPTA thereby formed an Alliance to provide GCMSA and ALAPTA members and others in the maritime industry with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees’ health and safety, particularly in reducing ergonomic, as well as slip, trip and fall hazards.  In developing this Alliance, OSHA, GCMSA, and ALAPTA recognize that OSHA’s State Plan and Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.
 
OSHA and GCMSA and ALAPTA will work together to achieve the following training and education goals:
 
o Develop training and education programs on ergonomic hazards and slip, trip and fall hazards in the maritime industry.

o Deliver or arrange for the delivery of ergonomic injury prevention courses conducted by GCMSA and ALAPTA.

o ALAPTA will develop workplace safety and health curricula on preventing or reducing back injuries.

What's New
Summer 2004
The first meeting of the Alliance occurred June 22, 2004.  Members present discussed plans to develop train-the-trainer programs on ergonomic hazards and slips, trips, and falls.  Atlantic Marine, Inc. Mobile, AL was represented by Terry Preston, Safety, Environmental & Quality Director.