Region 5 News Release: 13-65-CHI
Jan. 16, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA establishes alliance with
Builders Association to improve health and safety on Illinois construction sites

DES PLAINES, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established an alliance with the Builders Association that will focus on sharing information on OSHA's emphasis programs and occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.

"This alliance is an opportunity for OSHA and the Builders Association to work together to train employers and workers about the unique hazards of the construction industry," said Diane Turek, OSHA's area director for the Chicago North Office in Des Plaines. "Our focus is to continue to improve the safety and health of workers on Illinois construction sites."

OSHA and the Builders Association will provide information and guidance to employers and workers, and develop training and education programs to reduce injuries and improve overall safety and health, promote understanding of workers' rights and deliver training programs quarterly on common hazards in the construction industry. Additionally, the alliance will provide a forum for OSHA personnel to appear and speak at events sponsored by the Builders Association.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

OSHA's Illinois area offices in Des Plaines, North Aurora, Calumet City and Peoria are participating in this alliance. Illinois employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA alliances and partnerships can call the Chicago North Area Office at 847-803-4800.

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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7830 or TTY 202-693-7755.