Region 3 News Release: 12-39-PHI (osha 12-009)
Jan. 24, 2012
Contact: Leni Fortson Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102 215-861-5101
Email: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA forms partnership with Torcon
to protect workers on Penn State University construction project

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced a partnership with Torcon Inc. to promote workplace safety and health, and to provide guidance, technical assistance and training for workers involved in the construction of the Penn State University Biological Research Laboratory.

"Construction is a high-hazard industry, and when multiple employers are working on a construction site, the likelihood of injuries occurring increases," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA's Harrisburg Area Office, who represented the agency at a signing ceremony. "This partnership allows OSHA to work directly with Torcon, its subcontractor and the employees to provide the tools needed to prevent injuries and illnesses."

"Penn State University applauds OSHA's partnership with Torcon Inc.," said Don Fronk, Penn State physical plant occupational safety and environmental health specialist. "Safety has always been priority number one, and the university intends to maintain its fine track record."

The partnership aims to reduce the number of at-risk conditions and behaviors that could result in worker fatalities, injuries or illnesses, especially those relating to falls, struck-by, caught-in and electrical hazards.

Through its Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA partners with employers, workers, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. For more information, call OSHA's Harrisburg office at 717-782-3902 or visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/partnerships/index.html.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.