Region 3 - Alliance Annual Report - May 25, 2018
ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
PITTSBURGH AREA OFFICE (OSHA)
PITTSBURGH REGIONAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
May 25, 2018
-
Alliance Background
-
Date Signed:
May 17, 2004 Renewed: May 25, 2016
-
Evaluation Period
May 17, 2017 – May 17, 2018
-
Overview
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pittsburgh Area Office and The Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council aligned to provide Council members, including youth apprentice workers, with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help protect employees’ health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to the various hazards associated with the construction industry.
-
Implementation Team Members
OSHA
Christopher Robinson – Area Director, Pittsburgh Area Office
Robert Carroll – Compliance Assistance Specialist, Pittsburgh Area OfficeAlliance participant
Richard Stanizzo – Business Manager, Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council
-
-
Implementation Team Meetings
- August 1, 2017
- December 12, 2017
- January 17, 2018
- March 19, 2018
- April 25, 2018
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.
-
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 the 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 building trades unions and their apprenticeship schools 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
Dissemination
Speech/Presentation
Training
The CAS visited each of the seventeen union apprenticeship schools to meet with the Apprenticeship Coordinators/Instructors. The unions represented are as follows: Ironworkers Local #3; United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local #37; IUPAT District Council #57; Cement Masons Local #526; Plasterers Local #31; Laborers District Council of Western PA; Sprinkler Fitters Local #542; Keystone-Mountain-Lakes Carpenters; Steamfitters Local #449; Insulators Local #2; Plumbers Local #27; Elevator Constructors Local #6; Boilermakers Local #154; Operating Engineers Local #66; Bricklayers and Allied Craft Local #9; Sheet Metal Workers Local #12; IBEW Local #5. During each of these visits, the CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to website training materials, heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, silica, recordkeeping/reporting, common cited standards, and local fatality stats. Safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed. In addition, these meetings act as a forum to exchange safety and health technical information and best practices. The Apprenticeship Schools conduct and promote safety and health training to both apprentices and journeymen throughout the year.
Construction
Safety and Health Programs/Systems
Fall Prevention
Heat Stress
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Recordkeeping
Hazard Communication
Oil & Gas
Silica
Workzone Safety
Youth Workers
(Union Apprentices)
21,000
(Total Members)Meeting
Dissemination
Meeting with Laborer's Apprenticeship School Director discussing NUCA trench safety week in June. Nationally and locally trench fatalities and incidents showed an uptick. In addition, numerous questions on the Silica Standard were discussed.
Trenching/Excavation
Silica
100
Training
Dissemination
PA Governors Safety Conference – OSHA had an information booth. A variety of safety and health workshops were presented throughout the conference. Representatives from the Building Trades attended the conference
Construction
Safety and Health Programs/Systems
Fall Prevention
Heat Stress
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Recordkeeping
Hazard Communication
Oil & Gas
Silica
Electrical
10
Training
Speech/Presentation
Dissemination
IBEW #5 – CAS and CSHOs Conducted four presentations/training classes for 1st and 2nd year apprentices at the IBEW Apprenticeship School. The presentations were part of cross-training providing the apprentices with information on OSHA's mission, inspection policies/procedures, Examples of violations from actual inspections conducted by local CSHOs, worker rights, and employer rights.
Construction
Electrical
Safety and Health Programs/Systems
Fall Prevention
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
100
Meeting
Meeting with Steamfitters Apprenticeship Coordinator/instructor discussing information relating to of 10 and 30 hour Training.
10 and 30 OSHA Training Courses
100
Training
Speech/Presentation
Dissemination
Ironworkers Local #3 CAS, AAD, Executive Director (Ironworkers Employers Association) conducted a presentation/training for the 2nd year apprentices (Ironworkers Local #3) covering explaining the Alliances (functions & goals), covering specifics on the national and local fatality statistics, referenced information on the Opioid and Workplace Violence/Suicide fatalities at the worksites and the importance of seeking assistance – where and how to access assistance programs available to them. In addition general OSHA information on inspections, worker rights, whistleblower protections, and applicable construction standards were discussed. An open question & answer roundtable discussion was held as well at the end of the training. The Business manager for the Ironworkers Local #3 addressed the group stating the Union’s support for both alliances, worker safety efforts, and the employee assistance programs available to help workers overcome personal addictions, health issues and family concerns.
Alliance Review
Fatality Statistics
Workplace Violent/Suicide
Opioid Addiction
Employee Assistance Programs
Worker Rights and Employer Responsibilities
Construction
Fall Prevention
35
Exhibit
Speech/Presentation
Training
Dissemination
PA One Call Western PA Safety Day - Pittsburgh Area Office representatives staffed an information table and provided presentations on 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. Union 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, the Operating Engineers had an information table.
Construction
Fall Protection
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Heat Stress
Safety and Health Program/Systems
Trenching/Excavation
100
Other
Fixed. Also, I forwarded the emails for the needed files. Partnership Sites - The Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council supports and have craft workers from the various Trades Unions on three construction Partnership sites in the Pittsburgh Area Office Jurisdiction
Construction
Safety and Health Program/Systems
310
Training
Meeting
IBEW Local #5 - OSHA staff meeting was held at the IBEW Local #5 Apprenticeship School. An IBEW Apprenticeship Instructor conducting electrical safety training for the OSHA staff. In addition, a tour of the facility and explanation of each training lab was provided.
Construction
Electrical
20
Speech/Presentation
Training
Dissemination
As part of the fall stand down, the CAS and AD presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to second year apprenticeship classes at the Ironworkers Local #3 Apprenticeship School. In addition, numerous specific questions on fall protection at the apprentices various jobsites were discussed. The apprenticeship instructors also participated in the training and Q&A.
Fall Prevention
Construction
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Young Workers
(Union Apprentices)
30
Speech/Presentation
Training
Dissemination
University of Pittsburgh – Fall Stand Down Event – OSHA, University, Fall Protection manufacturer/vendor and General Contractor representatives presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to union craft workers working at various construction projects at the University.
Fall Prevention
Construction
Young Workers
(Union Apprentices)
170
Training
DisseminationKeystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters - CAS and AD attended the Open House and Carpentry Skills Expo at the Carpenters Apprenticeship School. CAS and AD provided updated OSHA information and answered numerous questions relating to OSHA construction standards/policies/procedures throughout the day event. In addition, a fall protection equipment vender had an exhibit and presented information on fall prevention. The attendees at the event were construction safety and health professionals, construction company owners and managers, safety equipment venders, journeymen, apprentices, students from Vo-Tech schools, state and local politicians, and family members.
Construction
Fall Prevention
Worker Rights
Safety and Health Programs/Systems Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Heat Stress
Young Workers
(Union Apprentices and Votech Students)
850
Dissemination
Region III “Focus Four Hazards” Campaign – Throughout this evaluation, the CAS has e-mailed the tool box talks on the Focus Four Hazards (Falls, Electrocutions, Struck by, Caught-in/between). The campaign was to raise awareness in the recognition, evaluation, and control of these hazards.
Construction
Struck-By Hazards
Electrocutions
Caught-in/Between
Fall Prevention
21,000
(Total Members)
Dissemination
Throughout this evaluation period, the CAS has e-mailed six safety alerts for distribution on product defects relating to fall protection anchors, portable tool battery packs, scissors lifts, fire extinguishers, and a fall protection harness.
Fall Prevention
Construction
Electrical
Fire Extinguisher
21,000
(Total Members)
Training and Education:
- To review or provide input on effective training and education programs for union workers, both journeymen and apprentices, and others regarding hazards associated with the construction industry and to communicate such information to constituent union workers and employers.
- To review or provide input on effective training and education programs for building trades unions 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 union workers and employers.
Activity Type
Activity Name/Summary
OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported
Number Reached
Meeting
Dissemination
Speech/Presentation
Training
The CAS visited each of the seventeen union apprenticeship schools to meet with the Apprenticeship Coordinators/Instructors. The unions represented are as follows: Ironworkers Local #3; United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local #37; IUPAT District Council #57; Cement Masons Local #526; Plasterers Local #31; Laborers District Council of Western PA; Sprinkler Fitters Local #542; Keystone-Mountain-Lakes Carpenters; Steamfitters Local #449; Insulators Local #2; Plumbers Local #27; Elevator Constructors Local #6; Boilermakers Local #154; Operating Engineers Local #66; Bricklayers and Allied Craft Local #9; Sheet Metal Workers Local #12; IBEW Local #5. During each of these visits, the CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to website training materials, heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, silica, recordkeeping/reporting, common cited standards, and local fatality stats. Safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed. In addition, these meetings act as a forum to exchange safety and health technical information and best practices. The Apprenticeship Schools conduct and promote safety and health training to both apprentices and journeymen throughout the year.
Construction
Safety and Health Programs/Systems
Fall Prevention
Heat Stress
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Recordkeeping
Hazard Communication
Oil & Gas
Silica
Work Zone Safety
Youth Workers
(Union Apprentices)
21,000
(Total Members)
Training
DisseminationPA Governors Safety Conference – OSHA had an information booth. A variety of safety and health workshops were presented throughout the conference. Representatives from the Building Trades attended the conference
Construction
Safety and Health Programs/Systems
Fall Prevention
Heat Stress
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Recordkeeping
Hazard Communication
Oil & Gas
Silica
Electrical
10
Training
Speech/Presentation
DisseminationIBEW #5 – CAS and CSHOs Conducted four presentations/training classes for 1st and 2nd year apprentices at the IBEW Apprenticeship School. The presentations were part of cross-training providing the apprentices with information on OSHA's mission, inspection policies/procedures, Examples of violations from actual inspections conducted by local CSHOs, worker rights, and employer rights.
Construction
Electrical
Safety and Health Programs/Systems
Fall Prevention
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
100
Training
Speech/Presentation
DisseminationIronworkers Local #3 CAS, AAD, Executive Director (Ironworkers Employers Association) conducted a presentation/training for the 2nd year apprentices (Ironworkers Local #3) covering explaining the Alliances (functions & goals), covering specifics on the national and local fatality statistics, referenced information on the Opioid and Workplace Violence/Suicide fatalities at the worksites and the importance of seeking assistance – where and how to access assistance programs available to them. In addition general OSHA information on inspections, worker rights, whistleblower protections, and applicable construction standards were discussed. An open question & answer roundtable discussion was held as well at the end of the training. The Business manager for the Ironworkers Local #3 addressed the group stating the Union’s support for both alliances, worker safety efforts, and the employee assistance programs available to help workers overcome personal addictions, health issues and family concerns.
Alliance Review
Fatality Statistics
Workplace Violent/Suicide
Opioid Addiction
Employee Assistance Programs
Worker Rights and Employer Responsibilities
Construction
Fall Prevention
35
Exhibit
Speech/Presentation
Training
Dissemination
PA One Call Western PA Safety Day - Pittsburgh Area Office representatives staffed an information table and provided presentations on 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. Union 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, the Operating Engineers had an information table.
Construction
Fall Protection
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Heat Stress
Safety and Health Program/Systems
100
Training
Meeting
IBEW Local #5 - OSHA staff meeting was held at the IBEW Local #5 Apprenticeship School. An IBEW Apprenticeship Instructor conducting electrical safety training for the OSHA staff. In addition, a tour of the facility and explanation of each training lab was provided.
Construction
Electrical20
Speech/Presentation
Training
Dissemination
As part of the fall stand down, the CAS and AD presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to second year apprenticeship classes at the Ironworkers Local #3 Apprenticeship School. In addition, numerous specific questions on fall protection at the apprentices various jobsites were discussed. The apprenticeship instructors also participated in the training and Q&A.
Fall Prevention
Construction
Worker Rights
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Young Workers
(Union Apprentices)
30
Speech/Presentation
Training
Dissemination
University of Pittsburgh – Fall Stand Down Event – OSHA, University, Fall Protection manufacturer/vendor and General Contractor representatives presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to union craft workers working at various construction projects at the University.
Fall Prevention
Construction
Young Workers
(Union Apprentices)
170
Training
DisseminationKeystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters - CAS and AD attended the Open House and Carpentry Skills Expo at the Carpenters Apprenticeship School. CAS and AD provided updated OSHA information and answered numerous questions relating to OSHA construction standards/policies/procedures throughout the day event. In addition, a fall protection equipment vender had an exhibit and presented information on fall prevention. The attendees at the event were construction safety and health professionals, construction company owners and managers, safety equipment venders, journeymen, apprentices, students from Vo-Tech schools, state and local politicians, and family members.
Construction
Fall Prevention
Worker Rights
Safety and Health Programs/Systems Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Heat Stress
Young Workers
(Union Apprentices and Votech Students)
850
Meeting
Meeting with Steamfitters Apprenticeship Coordinator/instructor discussing information relating to of 10 and 30 hour Training.
10 and 30 OSHA Training Courses
100
Dissemination
Region III “Focus Four Hazards” Campaign – Throughout this evaluation, the CAS has e-mailed the tool box talks on the Focus Four Hazards (Falls, Electrocutions, Struck by, Caught-in/between). The campaign was to raise awareness in the recognition, evaluation, and control of these hazards.
Construction
Struck-By Hazards
Electrocutions
Caught-in/Between
Fall Prevention
21,000
(Total Members)Outreach and Communication:
- To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA’s or the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council conferences, local meetings, apprenticeship schools or other applicable events.
- To share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council 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
Electrical
Silica
Workzone Safety
Youth Workers
(Union Apprentices)
Trenching/Excavation
Workplace Violence/Suicides
Opioid Addiction
Employee Assistance Programs
See previous sections
TOTAL 64,825
-
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 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
-
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