Alliance -- An OSHA Cooperative Program << Back to Concluded Regional Alliances - Region V

  1. Alliance Background

    Date Signed: June 13, 2008

    Date Renewed: N/A

    Alliance Overview.

    OSHA and GTDPC hereby form an Alliance to provide GTDPC members and others in the excavation industry with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees’ health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing deaths and serious injuries from cave-in, electrocution, fire, road work-zones, and other hazards related to excavation work. This Alliance will also have a special focus on review of current standards for excavation near underground utilities, and how these standards align with current Common Ground Alliance Best Practices.

    Implementation Team Members.

    Charles Shelton – CAS – OSHA Toledo Area Office
    Rick Bishop – Chair – The Greater Toledo Underground Damage Prevention Council
    Jennifer Reams – Vise – The Greater Toledo Underground Damage Prevention Council

     
  2. Implementation Team Meetings

    June 13, 2008 Alliance signing and first team meeting a Toledo Area Office
    July 10, 2008 Team meeting at (GTDPC)
    August 14, 2008 Team meeting at (GTDPC)
    September 11, 2008 Team meeting at (GTDPC)
    March 12, 2009 Team meeting at (GTDPC)
    May 14, 2009 Team Meeting at (GTDPC)

     
  3. Activities and Products

    Evaluation Period.

    This report covers the time period of June 13, 2008 through June 15, 2009.

    Alliance Activity.
     
    • Training and Education

      There were several training session conducted as result of this Alliance. On July 10, 2008 Charles Shelton presented OSHA up date presentation to members. On October 14, 2008 presented training on Trenching and Excavation standards to GTDPC.

      On November 13, 2008 GTDPC gave presentation on the up and coming Ohio One Call system to OSHA, BWC, and ODOT members. The Ohio One Call 811 system utilized by Ohio Utilities Protection Services (OUPS) represents the State of Ohio. The OUPS is a vital resource for Ohio residents and businesses alike, the Ohio Utilities Protection Service acts as a communication link between utility companies and individuals planning any digging activity. This site includes all the information you need to dig safely and protect your community.
       
    • Outreach and Communication

      The Toledo Area Office provided trenching safety stickers to council members that were developed in Toledo’s office by Darin Von Lehmden. Stickers were made to be applied to excavating equipment and serve as a reminder of trench safety and protection against cave-ins.
      Publication, and sample trench and excavation check lists were distributed to members.
       
    • Promoting the National Dialogue on Safety and Health

      The Alliance was promoted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) The CGA is a member-driven association dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices and is Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The GTDPC participated in conveying April 2009 as the National Safe Digging month. As result of the campaign, homeowners and contractors alike were targeted with the goal of increasing awareness and reducing utility damage. Any “best practices,” endorsed by the CGA come with consensus support from experts representing the following stakeholder groups: Excavators, Locators, Road Builders, Electric, Telecommunications, Oil, Gas, Railroad, Water, One Call, Public Works, Equipment Manufacturing, State Regulators, Insurance, Emergency Services and Engineering/Design.
       
    Alliance Products.
     
    • Training and Education

      As result of the Alliance, members were provided Trenching and Excavation training on OSHA CFR 1926.650 standard. (listed above)
       
    • Outreach and Communication

      Compliance assistance materials were handed out along with providing general information about OSHA and the programs available for both employees and employers.
       
    • Promoting the National Dialogue on Safety and Health

      The posted Ohio one call, National trench awareness month, and OSHA and GTDPC Alliance agreement reached national audience through the CGA. (see above)
       
  4. Results

    The information shared was very helpful throughout the past year. Even though the GTDPC is a new organization it has been very productive improving working condition for employees. The contractors, vender, and homeowners alike have benefited from the information distributed through the Alliance.

    Type of Activity
    (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)    		 Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
    GTDPC Meeting 67
    Bureau of Workmen Compensation (BWC) 3
    Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) 6
    Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Meeting 2
    TOTAL 96

     
  5. Upcoming Milestones

    The Alliance is scheduled to terminate on June 13, 2010.

    Report Prepared by: Charles Shelton – CAS, Toledo Area Office

    For more information, contact the Office of Outreach Services and Alliances at 202-693-2340 or go to  OSHA's website.