Background:

In January 2006, the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield (HBAGS), OSHA's Region VII, Kansas City Area Office, and the Missouri Consultation Program signed an OSHA Strategic Partnership (OSP) agreement. The key purpose of the Partnership is to promote a safety and health culture and reduce injuries and illnesses in the residential construction industry. The Partnership provides incentives to participating members/employers who voluntarily improve their safety and health performance and demonstrate the implementation of an effective safety and health management system (SHMS).

Success Impact

Safety and Health Collaboration and Partnership Promotion

Collaboration is a key component to a successful Partnership. The HBAGS Partnership got off to a great start during the OSP signing ceremony. The Kansas City Compliance Assistance Specialist (CAS) provided 50 copies of a CD that contained a PowerPoint presentation to HBAGS members in attendance that focused on best practices related to four main construction hazards: falls, struck-by, caught-in or between, and electrocutions. The Kansas City CAS also provided technical assistance to contractors interested in joining the OSP – one of which has called several times for abatement assistance. HBAGS does not employ their own safety specialist, and therefore refers questions from contractors to a CAS.

The Partnership was promoted through the media when the Kansas City CAS participated in a one-hour talk radio show on April 20, 2006 called "Just About Home." Throughout the duration of the show, the CAS addressed incoming questions with respect to construction hazards and abatement assistance, as well as provided information on the HBAGS Partnership.

Partnership Objectives

The Partnership's key objective is to reduce the number and severity of injuries, illnesses and fatalities affecting participating contractors from falls, struck-by, caught-in or between, and electrocutions. Partners believe that this key objective will be accomplished by increasing the number of members/employers who provide safety and health training and develop safety and health management systems. Participants (i.e. members/employers of HBAGS) in the Partnership will have access to safety and health resources that will aid them in accomplishing the goals of the Partnership.

Origin: Region VII, Kansas City and St. Louis, MO Area Offices

Partners: Home Builders' Association of Greater Springfield, PHD Painting, Cornerstone Cottages, Homes by San Watts

Partnership Signed: January 2006

Industry: Construction (NAICS Code 238320, 236115 SIC Code 1721, 1521, respectively)

Employees: 24

Employers: 3

Source and Date: Mark Banden, Region VII, Kansas City Area Office / 2008