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Region 5 News Release:   V-97
Feb. 11, 2000
William M. Murphy
Dennis E. Slessman
PHONE: (513) 841-4132

OSHA AND THE OHIO VALLEY CHAPTER OF ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS INC. ANNOUNCE INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Construction workers' safety and health in Southwestern Ohio will be enhanced by an innovative partnership entered into today by the Ohio Valley Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC) in Dayton and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The three-year agreement provides incentives for participating contractors to voluntarily improve their safety and health program under high performance guidelines set by the partnership. In return, OSHA will recognize contractors who have established exemplary safety programs. The agreement does not exempt participating contractors from compliance with OSHA safety and health regulations and does not exempt employers from investigations.

The partnership between OSHA's Cincinnati Area Office and ABC is among the first comprehensive partnerships in the construction industry and is expected to result in decreased injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. OSHA anticipates that contractors will have decreased worker compensation costs.

OSHA's Regional Administrator, Michael G. Connors stated, "This program helps to create incentives to improve safety in an industry that has traditionally had a high number of injuries and illnesses."

"This partnership is a major tool to help achieve OSHA's strategic goal to reduce injuries and illnesses in the construction industry," according to Cincinnati OSHA Area Director William M. Murphy. Murphy added that the partnership will significantly enhance worker safety by encouraging and rewarding voluntary compliance efforts. The program will also allow OSHA to pinpoint problem sites for regular inspections.

Construction contractors who participate in ABC's Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) program and establish effective safety and health programs which meet the partnership's criteria may apply to ABC for recognition as a "Platinum level" participant.

The information in this news release will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (312) 353-6976; TDD Message Referral Phone: 1-800-800-4571.