Region 5 News Release: 09-1456-CHI
Nov. 25, 2009
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976

US Labor Department's OSHA, Harold O'Shea Builders and state of Illinois partner to safely complete hospital project
Agreement highlights training to combat risks to worker safety and health

LINCOLN, Ill. -- Some 200 workers, expected to be employed during the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital construction addition in Lincoln, will benefit from a special safety and health partnership.

Harold O'Shea Builders, the prime contractor at the site; the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); and the Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program have agreed to the formal partnership.

The partnership's primary goals will be to increase training, implement best work practices, enhance safety and health programs and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. Ultimately, this partnership aims to provide a safe and healthful work environment during the construction of the addition.

"This partnership will help us combat all kinds of hazards through the development and presentation of programs designed to keep working men and women safe on the job," said OSHA Area Director Nick Walters in Peoria, Ill. "Joining with these organizations to combat job injury and illness issues ultimately will make this site a safer place to work."

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.