This summer, we issued new, comprehensive longshoring standards, which also had substantial input from maritime employers and workers. We expect to publish their proposal in the next few months. Just last week, I welcomed the members of a new advisory committee on metalworking fluids to their first meeting. And beginning this month, we will be holding one regional ergonomics conference a month. At these meetings, employers and workers will present their best practices in reducing musculoskeletal disorders.
Some partnerships are outside the traditional models of enforcement and regulation altogether.
For example, earlier this year OSHA signed an agreement with the asphalt paver manufacturers in which they voluntarily agreed to put engineering controls on all new paving machines, to protect workers from asphalt fumes. We reached a similar agreement with styrene users for the voluntary reduction of styrene exposure levels. Lastly, we are promoting worksite-specific partnerships at every workplace in America through safety and health programs. As you know, safety and health programs afford employees and managers an opportunity to work together to find and fix hazards, reduce injuries and illnesses, cut costs, improve morale and increase productivity. They represent a common sense approach with a long history of success.