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


  1. Alliance Background

    1. Date Signed:

      May 17, 2004 Renewed: May 25, 2016

    2. Evaluation Period

      May 17, 2017 – May 17, 2018

    3. 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.

    4. Implementation Team Members

      OSHA

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

      Alliance participant

      Richard Stanizzo – Business Manager, Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council

  2. 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.

  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 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
    Dissemination

    Keystone + 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
    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

    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
     

    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
    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
    Dissemination

    Keystone + 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

  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 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