American Heart Association and OSHA join forces to protect America's workforce from nation's leading killers

American Heart Association
Friday, 21 November 2003

A new alliance between the American Heart Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will help protect America's workers from heart disease and stroke – leading causes of lost productivity, disability and death.

"This is the first time the American Heart Association has undertaken such an effort with the federal government," said American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer M. Cass Wheeler. "We are extremely pleased and honored to work with OSHA to ensure that American workers receive the tools and information they need to prevent heart disease and stroke in the workplace, and in other areas of their lives. Arming them with this knowledge will not only make them more productive, but more importantly, will allow them to spend healthier, happier times with their families."

Cardiovascular diseases cost the nation more than any other disease – an estimated $351.8 billion this year in medical expenses and lost productivity. Lost productivity from disability and death alone will cost $142.5 billion.

"We are excited about this opportunity to work with the American Heart Association to further the protection of worker's health and safety," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "The American Heart Association has significant resources of medical experience and expertise that we can draw on to reduce the instances of heart disease and stroke suffered by workers. This truly can be a life-saving Alliance."

Under the alliance, OSHA and the American Heart Association will work together to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, as well as develop programs to reduce death and disability from these illnesses in the workplace. Activities will include:

• development of training and education about Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program implementation;
• disseminating information through print and electronic media (newsletters and Web sites);
• delivering of American Heart Association CPR/AED and First Aid courses when requested by employers;
• developing information on employee wellness that can be incorporated into workplace safety and health education and training programs on topics such as primary and secondary prevention of heart disease and stroke, exercise, fitness, and weight management;
• training of OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals in American Heart Association best practices for effective approaches to fighting heart disease and stroke;
• developing and disseminating case studies illustrating the importance of employee wellness and publicizing the results through print or electronic media, promotion at conferences, or other means of outreach and communication; and,
• convening and participating in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings to help raise awareness of the value of employee health and wellness programs and the use of AEDs in the workplace.

"The good health of our nation's workers is essential to the good health of our nation's economy," concluded Wheeler. "The American Heart Association looks forward to sharing its knowledge and resources to make this partnership a success.

For more information, or to contact American Heart Association, see their website at: www.americanheart.org