Indianapolis, IN November 18, 2008 - The Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) and Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) have entered into a strategic occupational safety and health partnership. The goal of the partnership is to further advance safety and health in Hoosier workplaces, which includes the reduction and severity of injuries and illnesses and the elimination of workplace fatalities. The partnership will cover all of Lilly's Indiana operations.
They signed the agreement on November 18 at 2:30 PM in the Indiana Government Conference Center South. Attending from the Indiana Department of Labor were Commissioner of Labor, Lori Torres, Deputy Commissioner of Indiana OSHA (IOSHA), Jeffry Carter, and Deputy Commissioner Sean M. Keefer who manages the OSHA Consultation division, INSafe. Representing Lilly, were Paul Ahern (VP Manufacturing Operations), Steve Gillman (Executive Director, Health, Safety and Environment) and Al Holmberg (Manager, Health and Safety).
The Indiana Department of Labor, through its IOSHA and INSafe divisions, will provide expertise in OSHA related content, on-site consultations and training to Lilly employees and contractors at Lilly facilities.
"This partnership allows us to better communicate, share and develop ideas as we work toward the common goal of Hoosier workplace safety and health excellence," commented Commissioner of Labor, Lori A. Torres.
Lilly will share information with IDOL personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding Lilly's best practices and effective approaches in worker safety and health management. Also, Lilly will act as a mentor to potential participants of IDOL's Indiana Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). VPP recognizes and partners with businesses and worksites that show excellence in occupational safety and health.
"As part of our corporate social responsibility, we believe in sharing best practices, particularly in the area of workplace safety. This partnership will enable us to pass along what we have learned with other Indiana employers to help them keep their workers and their neighbors safe," said Steve Gillman, Lilly executive director for health, safety and environmental.
Lilly will also provide a half day "Audit Overview" to give IOSHA compliance personnel an overview of an Environmental, Health, and Safety audit process in a large corporation.
While the partnership allows for certain compliance inspection deferrals, it does not waive any aspect of the OSH Act or inspections as a result of an employee complaint, serious injury or death. The partnership will last for two years.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact Sean M. Keefer at (317) 232-2683 or skeefer@dol.in.gov .
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About the Indiana Department of Labor:
The mission of the Indiana Department of Labor is to advance the safety, health and prosperity of Hoosiers in the workplace. In order to make significant strides, we emphasize both enforcement and compliance assistance by employers. www.in.gov/dol .
About INSafe:
INSafe, a division of the Indiana Department of Labor, works with Indiana's employers, employees, labor unions, professional groups, trade organizations, and others to ensure workplace health and safety.
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