ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT

THE PITTSBURGH AREA OFFICE (OSHA)
And the
CONSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
December 15, 2016

1. Alliance Background
   1. Date Signed:

      December 19, 2005 Renewed: December 15, 2015

   2. Evaluation Period:

      December 15, 2015 – December 15, 2016

   3. Overview:

      The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pittsburgh Area Office and The Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP) aligned to provide Council members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help protect employees’ health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to the hazards associated with the heavy and highway construction industry.

   4. Implementation Team Members:

      OSHA

      Christopher Robinson – Area Director, Pittsburgh Area Office
      Robert Carroll – Compliance Assistance Specialist, Pittsburgh Area Office

      Alliance participant

      Jason Koss – Director of Industry Relations, CAWP
      Richard Barcaskey – Executive Director, CAWP
      Jack Mills – President, CAWP (Past)
      George Mezey – President, CAWP (Current)

2. Implementation Team Meetings

   December 15, 2015
   March 23, 2016
   July 22, 2016
   October 28, 2016
   December 13, 2016

   In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Alliance’s progress and results.

3. Results

   The following table summarizes the Alliance’s activities in support of the goals in the Alliance agreement.

   Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives: To share information on OSHA’s National/Regional/Local Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process. To share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on hazards associated with the heavy and highway construction industry to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues. To encourage worker participation in workplace safety and health by working with member contractors, subcontractors and the heavy and highway joint union apprenticeship committees to promote workplace safety through informational materials, discussions, meetings, organizational events, and training.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meeting	RA stakeholder meeting with representatives from P.J. Dick, Mascaro, Constructors Association of W. PA (CAWP), and the Master Builders Association of W. PA (MBA).	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Small Business	12
   Speech/Presentation Exhibit	The Mid-Atlantic Safety and Health Alliance held its annual conference. This group provides a venue that replaces the defunct Western Pennsylvania Safety Council. CAWP promotes this event annually through their website. The CAWP Director on Industry Safety and member representatives attend the event for the educational tracks on construction and oil-gas operation safety. The Pittsburgh OSHA Area Office staffed an information booth. The DRA presented an OSHA update as the closing Keynote speaker and held a Q&A session.	Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Construction Oil & Gas Fall Prevention Heat Stress Safety and Health Programs/Systems Recordkeeping Temporary Workers Hazard Communication Small Business	20
   Meeting	Meeting with Director of Industry Relations and the Laborer's Union Apprenticeship School Director of Training/Instructor to discuss upcoming Fall Stand Down activities and the new Silica standard was discussed.	Fall Prevention Silica Construction
   Meetings Dissemination Speech/Presentation Training	The Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania is represented on all heavy and highway union joint apprenticeship committees operating in western Pennsylvania. The Association accomplishes this by appointing contractor members to each of these programs, which include the following trade unions: Carpenters, Cement Masons, Laborers, Operating Engineers, and Pile Drivers. In addition, a training fund is used for education of Teamsters. These committees are responsible for providing skilled construction workers through apprenticeship and training programs. Safety and Health information is promoted, supported and conveyed through these programs. CAS meets with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructors of the CAWP applicable construction trades unions. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed.	Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Construction Silica Workzone Safety Fall Prevention Heat Stress Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	12,500
   Speech/Presentation Training	Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania – As part of the fall stand down, the CAS and Director of Industry Relations for CAWP, presented information to apprentices and journeymen taking a safety class at the Apprenticeship school. The CAS presented information on fall protection talking points and local fatality statistics. In addition, worker rights and employer responsibilities were discussed. The Director for Industry Relation for CAWP presented information associated with a free app used for fall protection training.	Worker Rights Fall Prevention Construction Youth Workers (Union Apprentices)	20
   Exhibit Speech/Presentation	PA One Call Western PA Safety Day - Pittsburgh Area Office representatives staffed an information table and provided presentations on OSHA's fall protection and trenching/excavation. The staff provided handouts and answered a variety of question relating to excavation safety, construction standards, fall protection, heat stress, workers’ rights and OSHA policies/procedures. The CAWP Director of Industry Relations and member representatives participated and discussed issues and concerns relating to but not limited to OSHA policies/procedures, work zone safety, fall protection and excavation safety. In addition, CAWP staffed an information table.	Construction Fall Protection Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress	150
   Meetings Dissemination Speech/Presentation	The Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania has quarterly Safety and Risk Committee meetings. These meetings not only work on planning future training/educational events, they act as a forum to exchange safety and health technical information and best practices. OSHA update information is presented/discussed during these meetings	Construction Workzone Safety Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Hazard Communication Silica Oil and Gas Small Business Recordkeeping	25
   Training	CAWP sponsored and hosted a "Highway Work Zone Training" conducted by AGC of America trainers through the support of a Susan Hardwood Grant. One event was in conjunction with the Operator Engineers Apprenticeship school and the other at the CAWP office. The audience being trained included company representatives, union representatives and Pgh AO reps (AAD & CSHOs). The event was well received and gave the local OSHA representatives an opportunity to increase their knowledge base and interact in a positive environment with stakeholders.	Construction Workzone Safety Fall Prevention Heat Stress	100
   Meeting Dissemination	Meeting with CAWP Director of Industry Relations. New guidance on recordkeeping standard and Safety & Health Management Systems were discussed and referenced on OSHA's Website.	Recordkeeping Safety and Health Programs/Systems
   Training	CAWP sponsored and promoted a variety training classes/workshops/webinars throughout the past year covering the following topics: OSHA 10 Hour; Silica Standard; First Aid/CPR/AED/Blood Borne Pathogens; Confined Space Entry – Competent Person; Rigging; Flagger Train-The Trainer; Defensive Driving; PEC SafeLand USA; Mobile Crane Management; Workzone Safety; Bid-well Machine Operations; DOT Compliance; Active Shooter Training; Wellness & Drug Testing; FLSA “Overtime” Rule.	Construction Silica Workzone Safety Oil & Gas Worker Rights	700
   Dissemination Training	CAWP website is utilized to provide safety information and promote the various safety activities the organization conducts. The website has a variety of sections to include but not limited to OSHA Alliance agreement, listing of local fatality statistics, frequently cited standards, Safety Bulletins, Crane Safety (link to OSHA standard, preamble, frequently asked questions), Safety Library of DVDs and Videos, a link to the on-line safety training provided by the AGC of America, Several Apps (i.e. Traffic Controller, Bridge Harness Hero), and a Government Affairs Section (updates government actions and encourages member to get involved).	Construction Workzone Safety Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Hazard Communication Silica Oil and Gas Small Business Recordkeeping	15,000 (Total employees represented by members and associate members)
   Training Dissemination	CAWP members conducted fall protection safety stand downs at 106 sites.	Fall Prevention	1497
   Training	CAWP and MBA sponsored a Silica Workshop for member representatives and applicable union representatives. The workshop provided and overview of the standard with an emphasis on engineering controls and work practice controls. Tools and equipment were demonstrated.	Construction Silica	170
   Dissemination Training Meetings	Meetings with CAWP Director of Industry Relations, Member Representative and Simcoach Representatives for the development of a CAWP fall protection training APP for bridge/highway construction. The meetings consisted of soliciting information/suggestion for development and playing/testing the APP offering feedback for improvements prior to final release. The APP known as “Harness Hero: Bridge Edition” The APP was released in mid-November and is available for use. [Note: This App is CAWP property – solely purchased and owned by CAWP through a contract with Simcoach. The CAS participated in meetings and a test group. No OSHA funding or official endorsement was provided]	Construction Fall Prevention	500 (Approximate Downloads as of report date)
   Training and Education: To review or provide input on effective training and education programs for member contractors and others regarding hazards associated with the heavy and highway construction industry and to communicate such information to member employers and workers. To review or provide input on effective training and education programs for heavy and highway construction employers and employees to promote an understanding of workers’ rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, the responsibilities of employers, and to communicate such information to workers and employers.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meetings Dissemination Speech/Presentation	The Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania has quarterly Safety and Risk Committee meetings. These meetings not only work on planning future training/educational events, they act as a forum to exchange safety and health technical information and best practices. OSHA update information is presented/discussed during these meetings	Construction Workzone Safety Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Hazard Communication Silica Oil and Gas Small Business Recordkeeping	25
   Dissemination Training Meetings	Meetings with CAWP Director of Industry Relations, Member Representative and Simcoach Representatives for the development of a CAWP fall protection training APP for bridge/highway construction. The meetings consisted of soliciting information/suggestion for development and playing/testing the APP offering feedback for improvements prior to final release. The APP known as “Harness Hero: Bridge Edition” The APP was released in mid-November and is available for use. [Note: This App is CAWP property – solely purchased and owned by CAWP through a contract with Simcoach. The CAS participated in meetings and a test group. No OSHA funding or official endorsement was provided]	Construction Fall Prevention	500 (Approximate Downloads as of report date)
   Training Dissemination	CAWP members conducted fall protection safety stand downs at 106 sites.	Fall Prevention	1497
   Training	CAWP sponsored and promoted a variety training classes/workshops/webinars throughout the past year covering the following topics: OSHA 10 Hour; Silica Standard; First Aid/CPR/AED/Blood Borne Pathogens; Confined Space Entry – Competent Person; Rigging; Flagger Train-The Trainer; Defensive Driving; PEC SafeLand USA; Mobile Crane Management; Workzone Safety; Bid-well Machine Operations; DOT Compliance; Active Shooter Training; Wellness & Drug Testing; FLSA “Overtime” Rule.	Construction Silica Workzone Safety Oil & Gas Worker Rights	700
   Training	CAWP sponsored and hosted a "Highway Work Zone Training" conducted by AGC of America trainers through the support of a Susan Hardwood Grant. One event was in conjunction with the Operator Engineers Apprenticeship school and the other at the CAWP office. The audience being trained included company representatives, union representatives and Pgh AO reps (AAD & CSHOs). The event was well received and gave the local OSHA representatives an opportunity to increase their knowledge base and interact in a positive environment with stakeholders.	Construction Workzone Safety Fall Prevention Heat Stress	100
   Training Dissemination	CAWP members conducted fall protection safety stand downs at 106 sites.	Fall Prevention	1497
   Speech/Presentation Training	Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania – As part of the fall stand down, the CAS and Director of Industry Relations for CAWP, presented information to apprentices and journeymen taking a safety class at the Apprenticeship school. The CAS presented information on fall protection talking points and local fatality statistics. In addition, worker rights and employer responsibilities were discussed. The Director for Industry Relation for CAWP presented information associated with a free app used for fall protection training.	Worker Rights Fall Prevention Construction Youth Workers (Union Apprentices)	20
   Exhibit Speech/Presentation	PA One Call Western PA Safety Day - Pittsburgh Area Office representatives staffed an information table and provided presentations on OSHA's fall protection and trenching/excavation. The staff provided handouts and answered a variety of question relating to excavation safety, construction standards, fall protection, heat stress, workers’ rights and OSHA policies/procedures. The CAWP Director of Industry Relations and member representatives participated and discussed issues and concerns relating to but not limited to OSHA policies/procedures, work zone safety, fall protection and excavation safety. In addition, CAWP staffed an information table.	Construction Fall Protection Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress	150
   Training	CAWP and MBA sponsored a Silica Workshop for member representatives and applicable union representatives. The workshop provided and overview of the standard with an emphasis on engineering controls and work practice controls. Tools and equipment were demonstrated.	Construction Silica	170
   Meetings Dissemination Speech/Presentation Training	The Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania is represented on all heavy and highway union joint apprenticeship committees operating in western Pennsylvania. The Association accomplishes this by appointing contractor members to each of these programs, which include the following trade unions: Carpenters, Cement Masons, Laborers, Operating Engineers, and Pile Drivers. In addition, a training fund is used for education of Teamsters. These committees are responsible for providing skilled construction workers through apprenticeship and training programs. Safety and Health information is promoted, supported and conveyed through these programs. CAS meets with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructors of the CAWP applicable construction trades unions. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed.	Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Construction Silica Workzone Safety Fall Prevention Heat Stress Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	12,500
   Outreach and Communication: To develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to develop ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA’s and the CAWP Web sites) to employers and workers in the industry. To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA’s or CAWP conferences, local meetings, or other applicable events. To share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding CAWP good practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum) developed by the Participants.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meetings Speech/Presentations Exhibit Training Dissemination	All activities in previous sections apply (See Previous sections for reference)	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Small Business Oil & Gas Recordkeeping Temporary Workers Hazard Communication Silica Workzone Safety Youth Workers (Union Apprentices)
   Dissemination	Throughout this evaluation period, the CAS has e-mailed the three safety alerts on product defects relating to vehicles, energy absorbers used on horizontal lifelines, and ladder safety climbing devices. The Director of Industry relations distributes the alerts to the Safety Committee via e-mail.	Fall Prevention Construction
   TOTAL			39,694

4. Evaluations

    

   The activities provided during this evaluation period were well received. The member representatives and the recipients of the safety and health outreach activities/communications found the information valuable in assisting them in promoting and improving their safety and health efforts at their heavy and highway construction jobsites.

   The individuals reached by the outreach activities/communication activities represent companies/unions with many employees/members that would be directly affected by the safety and health information provided. The working relationship between the Alliance Signatories and the feedback on the Alliance continues to be very positive.

5. Upcoming Milestones

   The Alliance continues to look at future opportunities in providing information for affected parties. The Alliance Signatories will continue to work together to address the safety and health needs of the affected parties.

   Report Prepared by: Bob Carroll, CAS Pittsburgh Area Office