Region 4 News Release: 10-1491-ATL (604)
Nov. 5, 2010
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
E-mail: D'Aquino.Michael@dol.gov Wald.Michael@dol.gov
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
US Labor Department's OSHA announces safety stand-down at Georgia
construction sites on Tuesday, Nov. 9, to focus on struck-by hazards
ATLANTA – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is partnering with construction contractors, the Federal Highway Administration, the state of Georgia and local government organizations to sponsor a safety stand-down hour at local construction sites around Georgia on Tuesday, Nov. 9.
Employers will voluntarily stop work at construction sites from 7 to 8 a.m. EST to conduct work zone safety training focused on the prevention of injuries occurring when employees are struck by objects and vehicles. Objects and vehicles striking workers are a lead cause of construction-related deaths. Approximately 75 percent of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes.
"The one-hour stand down will heighten employees' awareness and their ability to identify and eliminate work-related hazards in the construction community," said Cindy Coe, OSHA's regional administrator for the Southeast. "This alliance has taken the initiative and shown leadership with organizing and conducting this safety stand-down industry-wide as well as throughout Georgia to emphasize the importance of employees' safety in work zones."
The Georgia Struck-By Alliance consists of OSHA, Associated General Contractors of America Georgia Branch, 3M Visibility and Insulations Solutions, Georgia's Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Georgia Division, Georgia Highways Contractors Association, Georgia Utility Contractors Association, Association County Commissioners of Georgia, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Lamar Signs, Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia and Georgia Power.
An informational flyer and toolbox talks in both English and Spanish are available on the Associated General Contractors of America Inc. Georgia Branch website at http://www.agcga.org. Persons interested in more information from OSHA should contact Marilyn Velez in OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office at 770-984-8700, Steve Simmons in Atlanta-East Area Office at 770-493-6644 or Phillip Moncrief in the Savannah Area Office at 912-652-4393.
Through the agency's Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections. For more information on the Alliance Program and other cooperative programs, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/index_programs.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 assure 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 releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.