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U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Atlanta-East Area Office
LaVista Perimeter Office Park
Building 7, Suite 110
Tucker, Georgia 30084-4154
(770) 493-6644
Atlanta-East, Atlanta-West and Savannah Area Offices

ASSE Trenching Alliance - Annual Alliance Report
March 10, 2009

  1. Alliance Background

    Date Signed:

    October 22, 2004

    Overview:

    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Georgia Institute of Technology –Safety, Health, and Environmental Technology Division (Georgia Tech) and American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) – Trench Safety Task Force Alliance is focused on reducing and preventing exposure to trenching and excavation hazards.

     
  2. Implementation Team Membership and Contributors:

    Metro Atlanta Area - Representatives from OSHA, ASSE and Georgia Tech conducted all required quarterly meeting by teleconferencing, formal meetings and training sessions on the following dates:
     
    • ASSE Trenching Task Force meeting November 29, 2007
       
    • October 24, 2008, ASSE Trenching Task Force meeting to discussed goals for FY 2009
       
    Members of the OSHA - Savannah Area Office met with members of the ASSE - Savannah Chapter on the following dates:
     
    • The Trench Alliance was discussed during an ASSE Executive meeting January 8, 2008
       
    • The Trench Alliance was discussed during an ASSE Executive meeting February 5, 2008
       
    • The Trench Alliance was discussed during an ASSE Executive meeting April 8, 2008
       
    Evaluation Period:

    September 21, 2007, through January 31, 2009

     
  3. Events and Products

    Training and Education

    Events
     
    • On July 8th, 2008, the group presented at the Georgia Tech OTI 502 for approximately 30 attendees.
       
    • On October 21st, 2008, the group presented at the Georgia Tech OTI 502 for approximately 30 attendees.
       
    • On January 13th, 2009, the group presented at the Georgia Tech OTI 502 for approximately 30 attendees.
       
    Products
     
    • None
       
    Outreach and Communication

    Events
     
    • The Trench Alliance was discussed during ASSE - Savannah Chapter meetings January 14, 2008, and May 8, 2008
       
    • On January 22, 2009, a representative met with Henry County Fire Department to discuss providing Excavation Taskforce training to all fire fighters in Georgia. Chief Barry Jenkins embraced the idea and offered Henry County to be the pilot program. Currently in the process of acquiring course approval for CEU credit.
       
    • On January 28, 2009, a representative conducted a presented to all Metro Area Fire Chiefs at their monthly meeting. Idea was well received and Fire Chiefs are currently scheduling courses for their departments.
       
    • Members of the ASSE - Savannah Chapter provided at least two referrals to the OSHA - Savannah Area Office.
       
    Products
     
    • None
       
  4. Results
     
    Year Trenching fatality in Georgia
    2002 2
    2003 4
    2005 0
    2006 0
    2007 0
    2008 0
    Total 6

    *Note: The May 2006 fatality in Byron, GA, is not included in this figure, because Federal OSHA does not have jurisdiction for public-sector employees in the state.


  5. Upcoming Milestones in FY 2009
     
    • On February 10, 2009, a representative is scheduled to conduct Excavation Taskforce training for the Decatur Fire Department.
       
    • Enroll every fire fighter in the state of Georgia in the Excavation Task Force.
       
    • Continue enrollment of safety professionals in Georgia.
       
    • Continue distribution of Trench Safety Best Practices document.
       
    Report Prepared by: Linda McLaughlin, Safety Manager

    For more information, contact the Office of Outreach Services and Alliances at 202-6932340 or go to OSHA.