Region 8 News Release: 09-581-DEN
July 10, 2009
Contact: Jeremy Eggers
Phone: 303-844-1299

OSHA focuses special regional emphasis program on Recovery Act-funded construction projects in 4 states
Regional program covers the Dakotas, Montana and Colorado

DENVER -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regional office in Denver has launched a regional emphasis program in Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana aimed at ensuring workers involved in work funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) are properly protected from occupational hazards that may lead to injuries or illnesses.

The region plans to reduce recognized hazards on large Recovery Act-related construction projects, such as highways, bridges, new building construction and existing building renovation and demolition operations, through the use of expanded outreach and enforcement activities.

"Specific resources will be devoted to Recovery Act-funded sites," said Gregory J. Baxter, OSHA's regional administrator in Denver. "Inspections will target specific jobsites rather than specific employers, and thereby all employers active at a jobsite will be inspected."

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful 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 http://www.osha.gov.

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