Background:

On June 22, 2007, Skanska USA Civil Northeast and ECCO III Joint Venture signed an OSHA Strategic Partnership (OSP) during the construction of the Harmon Yard Maintenance Shops in Croton on the Hudson, NY. The project involves a complete build-out of 20 acres at the large Harmon Yard and Shop Complex and includes the design and construction of two large maintenance shops, one for coaches and MU rail cars, and one for locomotives. In addition, a new locomotive wash facility is being built, as well as 15 new tracks, upgrades and expansion at two substations, and new K-9 grounds for MTA police dogs.

Success Impact:

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

With over 1 million man-hours worked, the partnership has achieved a Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) of 2.15, which was 50 % below the national average for Heavy Construction (NAIACS Code 23493). The partnership has also achieved a Total Days Away from Restricted work activity or job Transfer (DART) rate of 0.39 which was approximately 90 % below the national average for Heavy Construction (NAIACS Code 23493).

The partnership has established a safe working environment with initiatives such as: a six foot fall rule and 100% 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 partnership 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 partnership include: a project DART rate that is 25% 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 II Tarrytown Area Office, Skanska USA Civil Northeast & ECCO III Joint Venture, The Construction Industry Council of Westchester County and the New York State Department of Labor - Division of Safety and Health On-site Consultation Program.

Partnership Signed: June 22, 2007

Industry/NAICS Code: Heavy Construction (SIC 1629)

Employers: 12

Employees: 300

Source and Date: CAS Tom McCarthy, Tarrytown Area Office November 24, 2009