U.S. aluminum is proud of its track record on health and safety, which has long been an industry priority. Injury and illness data  indicate that aluminum plants are a relatively safe place to work. Millions of pounds of aluminum are melted and cast safely everyday in casthouses, foundries, recycling and reclamation plants all across the country. However, just like any manufacturing process, there are inherent risks and hazards involved with aluminum production. The Aluminum Association believes that these hazards can be minimized or eliminated entirely by careful attention to safe material handling and the sharing of best practices. 

The Aluminum Association supports:

• A culture of health & safety: Follow industry best practices and implement strong and comprehensive health & safety protocols at the plant level. The Aluminum Association supports these efforts by publishing materials on the safe production and handling of aluminum; Casthouse Safety Workshops to educate plant workers and managers on workplace safety; and ongoing engagement with member companies on the latest industry safety standards.
• Consistent OSHA regulations: Ensure that any new, government-mandated health and safety standards are based on sound scientific, data-driven research and stakeholder input. Prior to a new rulemaking, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) should review whether existing standards and regulations already address emerging safety and health issues. Finally, OSHA should apply and interpret occupational safety and health regulations uniformly across the country.

Learn more about aluminum industry safety.

Like many manufacturers, the U.S. aluminum industry faces challenges in recruiting the next generation of diverse, advanced manufacturing talent. Skilled labor remains in high demand and short supply, with routine turnover adding to these challenges. The Aluminum Association works with organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on workforce and recruitment issues and to share resources with aluminum manufacturers and other stakeholders.

The Aluminum Association supports:

• Apprenticeship programs: Grow and promote work-based learning opportunities – including apprenticeship, upskilling, credentialing and other types of training programs – that help aluminum firms recruit and retain the highly skilled, diverse workforce they need to thrive.
• Incentives for training: Use incentive programs to encourage existing employees to complete education and training programs to grow skill sets.