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Region 6 News Release:   USDL-OSHA-00-54-5-4
Thurs., May 4, 2000
Contact: Diana Petterson
PHONE: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222

Construction workers' safety and health in Louisiana will be enhanced by the signing of a landmark partnership between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Associated Building Contractors (ABC). The partnership signing takes place 12 p.m., May 8 at the ABC office on 19251 Highland Road in Baton Rouge.

The three year partnership agreement includes the ABC Bayou, Pelican and Southwest Louisiana Chapters. The agreement will allow OSHA to pinpoint problem worksites for regular inspections rather than worksites that have demonstrated effective safety and health programs. Under the terms of the partnership, ABC will create a "platinum" level safety designation for select members. Platinum will be the highest in a four-step ABC program designed to recognize its safest contractors. In order to reach platinum status, contractors must meet stringent safety guidelines.

"The partnership should provide a higher level of employee safety and health training," said John B. Miles, OSHA Regional Administrator in Dallas. "Additionally, it should also benefit the subcontractors who work for the participating contractors."

Establishing partnerships with the private sector to improve safety and health is one of OSHA's major goals. While participation in the partnership is voluntary, OSHA anticipates that contractors will experience a decrease in workplace accidents and illnesses and a decrease in worker compensation costs.

"The partnership will help OSHA to achieve its strategic goal of reducing injuries and illnesses in the construction industry," said John J. Deifer, OSHA Area Director in Baton Rouge.

For more information, contact the OSHA Baton Rouge office at (225) 389-0474 or the ABC office at (225) 752-1415.