U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA revises its Voluntary Protection Programs

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today published in the Federal Register final changes to its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that, among other enhancements, allow participation by companies with mobile workforces.

The VPP, the agency's recognition initiative for workplace safety and health excellence, will provide new options for construction contractors and other employers who may have employees at various locations. Other VPP changes for eligible organizations include a streamlined application process, outreach and mentoring, and onsite workplace evaluations.

"OSHA is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Thomas M. Stohler. "These program revisions will allow more companies to participate in the VPP, which has contributed to improved workplace safety. Since 2001, participation in the VPP has increased almost 200 percent. During that same period, there has been a 14 percent decrease in workplace fatalities. Establishing partnerships and encouraging continual process improvement are part of OSHA's balanced approach to workplace safety and health."

The VPP was established in 1982 to recognize employers and employees who focus on the prevention of injuries, illnesses and fatalities through the implementation of effective safety and health management systems. Currently, there are 2,161 federal and state plan VPP participants.

Changes to the VPP are effective May 9. For more information on the VPP and these latest revisions, contact the nearest OSHA area or regional office or the OSHA National Office, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, at 202-693-2213. The Federal Register notice can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-165.htm.

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.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

City of Atlanta Joins with Zipcar to Promote Car-Sharing and Transportation Alternatives for City Employees

/PRNewswire/ -- Zipcar, the world's largest provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, today announced a partnership with the City of Atlanta to provide car-sharing memberships to City of Atlanta employees. The company also announced that Midtown Transportation Solutions (MTS) and the Downtown Transportation Management Association (DTMA) have teamed up with Zipcar and will pay application fees for Atlanta-based companies or organizations that join Zipcar before the end of the year.

The two partnerships are part of overall efforts to change commuting behaviors. By providing Zipcar memberships to Atlanta employees, more people will be able to use public transit for their commute and have access to Zipcar during their workday should they need a car.

This City of Atlanta partnership is possible thanks to a grant from the Kendeda Foundation, which will cover the $25 application fee for City of Atlanta employees. Once members, employees will have weekday access to Zipcars at reduced business rates, $8.25 per hour; $49 from 7am to 7pm or $60 for a 24-hour period.

"I encourage City employees to take full advantage of this partnership with Zipcar," said Mayor Shirley Franklin, who helped launch car sharing in Atlanta in September of 2006. "This program offers employees an alternative means of transportation while providing convenience and flexibility in using the public transit system."

Mandy Schmitt, Director of Sustainability for the City of Atlanta, a long-time member of Zipcar, and a champion behind this partnership, proudly acknowledges that, "This partnership gives employees an alternative to driving alone to work while promoting transit, biking, walking, carpooling, and vanpooling. They then have access to Zipcar at reduced rates if / when they need a car for personal use during the day. As a bonus, employees that use alternative forms of transportation can log their commutes online for Commuter Rewards offered through the Clean Air Campaign."

Businesses looking to join Zipcar and have their application fee covered by the Midtown Transportation Solutions (MTS) and the Downtown Transportation Management Association (DTMA) visit Zipcar.com to contact the local Atlanta office for more information.

"Zipcar, combined with alternative commute modes, provides a viable and environmentally-friendly transportation option for all Atlanta residents, while still giving them access to a vehicle when the need arises," said Liz Wattenberg, General Manager, Zipcar Atlanta. "We applaud the City of Atlanta, MTS, and DTMA for taking an active lead in reducing SOV commuter trips through car sharing, and look forward to working together to reduce congestion and improve our air quality."

The City of Atlanta, along with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transportation Authority (MARTA), Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) and the Midtown and Downtown Transportation Management Associations, join a number of government and transportation agencies across the country that have partnered with Zipcar, including the City of Philadelphia, Arlington County, District Department of Transportation, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, New Jersey Transit and Washington Area Metro Transit Authority.

Since September 2006, Atlanta's fleet of shared vehicles has grown to nearly 70 automobiles comprised of more than 20 makes and models including pickup trucks, convertibles and hybrids in key areas of Atlanta. There are currently over a quarter million Zipcar members sharing 5,500 Zipcars worldwide.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia