Indiana C-store Association, State Finalize Anti-Violence Agreement

CHESTERTON, Ind. -- The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA) signed an agreement with the Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) to join the state's INSafe program that seeks to reduce late-night retail workplace violence, reported the Chesterton Tribune. The agreement was first announced in February, as CSNews Online previously reported, and signed on March 28.

The Department of Labor announced the following goals for the alliance:

  • IDOL will provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, as well as expertise in developing ways of communicating such information to the IPCA and its members. It will speak, exhibit or appear at IPCA conferences, meetings and major industry trade shows as available and requested.
  • IDOL will share appropriate information and statistics, as decided upon by INSafe's director, to advance the goal of providing more relevant information and reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the workplace.
  • INSafe will consult with select members of the IPCA to assist with development and delivery of group-wide occupational safety and health outreach and training programs.
  • IPCA will share information with IDOL personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding IPCA best practices or effective approaches, and publicize results through outreach by IPCA and through IDOL events, print media and websites.
  • IPCA will promote and encourage member company participation in INSafe programs, including the OSHA Consultation Program and its INSHARP Program.
  • INSafe will also provide strategic industrial hygiene and safety assistance to IPCA and its participants upon request. This work will be used to develop a common exposure picture for similar work application with member companies.

The agreement will remain in effect for two years, during which participants will meet at least twice per year, formally or informally, to track and share information on activities and results in meeting the goals of the agreement. IDOL is also discussing possible partnership agreements with the Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association and the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers.

The signed agreement is the result of IDOL Commissioner Lori A. Torres and the IPCA, the Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association, the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers and the Indiana State Police meeting as the Late Night Retail Working Group to find solutions to repeated violent injuries and deaths at Indiana convenience stores. The group is currently working on a report that will summarize its findings and recommendations for Indiana c-store owners. It is set for a May release.

More information on the alliance is available here.

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