Background:

On August 13, 2008, OSHA and Skanska USA Civil Northeast / E.C.C.O. III, known as the SEW Construction Joint Venture, signed an OSHA Strategic Partnership (OSP) during the construction of the Catskill and Delaware Water Treatment Ultraviolet Light Disinfection Facility in Valhalla, NY. The project will involve construction of site structures, including all structural and architectural work and finishes, appurtenant equipment, furnishings, special construction, conveying equipment, piping, gates, valves, instrumentation and controls. In addition, the project will construct a generator building containing four emergency standby generators and water conveyances between the structures, including concrete encasement. It is anticipated that the facility will be capable of disinfecting a maximum flow of 2,020 million gallons per day.

Success Impact:

Reduced Injury and Illness Rates - Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) and Days Away, Restricted, and Transferred (DART) Rate

With nearly 700,000 man-hours worked to date, the OSP has achieved a Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) of 2.14, which is about 60 percent below the national average for Heavy Construction (NAIACS Code 23493). The OSP has also achieved a Total Days Away from Restricted work activity or job Transfer (DART) rate of 0.61 which is approximately 79 percent below the national average for Heavy Construction (NAIACS Code 23493).

The OSP has established a safe working environment with initiatives such as: a six foot fall rule and 100 percent fall protection for all on site; crane signaling certification; implementing a stretch; flex morning exercise program and 1,000 hours per month dedicated to “Safety Module and Competent Person Training.” The OSP is enjoying a newly forged working relationship between government, industry employers, labor, and trade associations.

In addition, a mandatory glove policy was implemented. By introducing the benefits of Kevlar protection, hand injuries were reduced by nearly 50 percent.

Partnership Objectives:

Some of the goals of the OSP include: a project DART rate that is 25 percent less than the national Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) average; encouraging local construction subcontractors involved in the project to improve their safety and health performance; and fostering a sustainable working relationship between government and industry.

Origin: Region II, Tarrytown Area Office

Partners: OSHA Region 2 Tarrytown Area Office, SEW Construction Joint Venture, The Building Council and Trade Council of Westchester, The Construction Industry Council of Westchester and Hudson Valley, Inc., The New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the New York State Department of Labor - Division of Safety and Health On-site Consultation Program.

Partnership Signed: August 13, 2008

Industry: Heavy Construction (SIC 1629)

Employees: 250

Employers: 6

Source: CAS Tom McCarthy, Tarrytown Area Office