INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA) has agreed to be a part of the Indiana Department of Labor??s INSafe program, the Chesterton Tribune reports. The initiative attempts to lower late-night retail workplace violence.

The agreement spelled out several goals for the two groups, including the department??s willingness to give information on preventing and recognizing workplace hazards to IPCA via workshops, meetings and trade shows. The DOL will also provide data and statistics that would assist in lowering workplace illnesses, injuries and fatalities.

INSafe will help IPCA and select member companies with developing and delivering group-wide occupational safety and health outreach and training programs. The association in turn will communicate info about best practices and effective ways to stem workplace violence. IPCA also will promote and encourage members to participate in INSafe programs.

"Convenience store operators place the highest priority on the safety of their customers and employees. This partnership with state officials will further enhance our existing efforts," Scot Imus, executive director of IPCA, told NACS Daily.

The agreement came about at the efforts of Lori Torres, DOL commissioner, after a spat of violence at convenience stores in Indiana. Torres created the Late Night Retail Working Group, which in addition to the DOL and IPCA, counted the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, the Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association and the Indiana State Police as members. The other two retail groups are in agreement discussions as well.