Region 5 News Release: 13-1098-CHI
July 22, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Strategic Partnership to protect workers during road reconstruction
of Interstate 74 and Interstate 155 in Tazewell County
Fred Weber Inc., state and local agencies, and US Department of Labor's OSHA
sign partnership agreement

PEORIA, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established a strategic partnership with Fred Weber Inc. and state and local agencies to protect workers during the reconstruction project for Interstate 74 and Interstate 155 through Tazewell County. The Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program is also a partner in the project.

"This voluntary strategic partnership is focused on creating a working relationship to control or eliminate serious workplace construction hazards and establish a foundation for the development of an effective safety and health program," said Tom Bielema, OSHA's area director in Peoria. "It aims to meet these goals through increased training, implementation of best work practices and compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations."

Fred Weber Inc. and subcontractors will be performing the demolition of six bridges and two tunnels, replacing several miles of pavement as well as rebuilding ramps, structures and installing lighting. Expected completion of the project is August 2015.

Safety goals will focus on implementing innovative strategies to eliminate serious accidents, including the four primary construction hazards of falls, struck-by, caught in and electrical. Additionally, Fred Weber Inc. and subcontractors will emphasize training, awareness and safety procedures involving backing up hazards with heavy equipment.

Through its Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA develops alliances with employers, workers, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other interested stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/partnerships/index.html or contact the agency's Peoria Area Office at 309-589-7033.

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.

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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.