OSHA News Release
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Region 5
Region 5 News Release: 09-47-CHI
March 4, 2009
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976
Focus is safety and health in construction industry
PEORIA, Ill. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Greater Peoria Contractors and Suppliers Association have developed an alliance to focus on safety and health issues in the construction industry.
The groups signed the formal alliance yesterday at the Peoria Civic Center during the Downstate Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Peoria.
"We would like to ensure all construction companies - big and small - are prepared to effectively control the workplace hazards their employees may encounter," said Nick Walters, OSHA's area director in Peoria. "We believe this alliance will foster a working relationship that will ensure employers develop effective safety and health programs, and make employees aware of work hazards and ways to prevent serious injuries."
The alliance requires each organization to contribute to the development of training sessions and materials to improve workplace safety and health. The groups will share resources and information to raise awareness of and commitment to this topic.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at 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 www.dol.gov/compliance.