CareerSafe - Renewal Agreement - October 8, 2020


CareerSafe - Renewal Agreement - October 8, 2020

AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
CAREERSAFE: THE NATIONAL YOUTH SAFETY INITIATIVE


The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and CareerSafe: The National Youth Safety Initiative (CareerSafe) continue to recognize the value of maintaining a collaborative relationship to foster safety and health practices and programs to improve American workplaces. To that end, OSHA and CareerSafe hereby renew, in part, the Alliance signed June 26, 2018, with a continued emphasis on improving awareness of workplace safety and health among youth workers, educators, and employers. Specifically, both organizations are committed to providing young workers, ages 16 to 24, school educators and administrators, and employers with information and resources on the most common hazards encountered by new workers in order to prevent and reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, and improve young workers’ understanding of the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

This agreement provides a framework and objectives for the Alliance’s activities. Alliance participants also agree to meet the requirements for program participation laid out in the “Fundamental Requirements for OSHA Alliance Program Participants” and the “Guidelines for OSHA’s Alliance Program Participants: Alliance Products and Other Alliance Projects.”

Through the Alliance, the organizations will use relevant injury, illness, and hazard exposure data, when appropriate, to help identify areas of emphasis for Alliance awareness, outreach, and communication activities. The Alliance will also explore and implement selected options, including but not limited to member surveys, to evaluate the Alliance and measure the impact on improving workplace safety and health. In renewing this Alliance, OSHA and CareerSafe recognize that OSHA’s State Plan and On-Site Consultation Program partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort, and that information about the products and activities of the Alliance may be shared with these partners for the advancement of common goals.

Raising Awareness: Outreach and Communication

The Participants intend to work together to achieve the following objectives:

  • Share information on OSHA’s National Outreach Initiatives and Regulatory Activities, and opportunities to participate in initiatives and the rulemaking process.
  • Share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
  • Develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, particularly those faced by young workers, and communicate such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA’s and CareerSafe’s websites) to young workers and their employers.
  • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA’s conferences, local meetings, and youth-focused events, including career and technical education events.
  • Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings focused on young and entry-level workers to raise awareness of the foundational occupational safety and health (OSH) competencies and training needs of these workers among educators and employers, enhance OSH training in career education, and engage these workers in conversations about the safety and health issues impacting them.
  • Collaborate with other Alliance participants on young and entry-level worker safety and health.
  • Build relationships with OSHA’s National, Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues, particularly those most impacting young workers.
  • Review and contribute to OSHA publications and resources intended for young workers and employers in industries that rely heavily on these workers.

OSHA’s Alliances provide organizations an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as raising awareness of OSHA’s initiatives, outreach, communication, training, and education. These Alliances have proven to be valuable tools for both OSHA and Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with an organization, OSHA is not endorsing or promoting, nor does it intend to endorse or promote, any of that organization’s products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of each organization will meet one to two times per year to discuss the responsibilities of the participants, to share information on activities, and to track results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. OSHA team members will include representatives of the Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, Office of Communications, and any other appropriate offices. OSHA will encourage State Plans’ and OSHA On-Site Consultation programs’ participation on the team.

This agreement will remain in effect for five years. Either signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days’ written notice. This agreement may be modified at any time with the written concurrence of both signatories.

Signed this 8th day of October, 2020.


  • Loren Sweatt
  • Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for
  • Occupational Safety and Health

  • Larry Teverbaugh
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • CareerSafe

Region 1 - Alliance Annual Report - October 9, 2020


Region 1 - Alliance Annual Report - October 9, 2020

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
And the
New England Laborers Training Academy (NELTA)
October 9, 2020

  1. Alliance Background

    1. Date Signed

      September 10, 2019

    2. Evaluation Period

      September 01, 2019 – September 30, 2020

    3. Overview

      Brief summary of the purpose and scope of the Alliance – from the Alliance agreement.

      A continued emphasis on construction workplace safety and health by providing NELTA members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers and understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH Act). Address current trends and improvements in construction safety and health technologies, exchange technical information and safe best practices, update roundtable members regarding OSHA-procedures and policy issues, and promote and encourage involvement and activities in OSHA safety stand-downs.

    4. Implementation Team Members

      James Merloni – NELTA
      Stephen Nee – OSHA Labor Liaison
      Joe Green – OSHA CAS

      List OSHA members and titles/offices:

      Anthony Covello – Area Director, Andover Office

      List Alliance participant members and titles/offices:

      Joel Kubilis – NELTA Instructor

  2. Implementation Team Meetings

    • There were periodic team in person and phone meetings concerning the NELTA alliance. The meetings consisted of ways OSHA and the NELTA could support one another regarding the alliance. Due to the COVD 19 pandemic, no year-end meeting was able to be held in person.

    In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Alliance’s progress and results.

  3. Results

    The following table summarizes the Alliance’s activities in support of the goals in the Alliance agreement.

    October 8, 2019 – The Andover CAS developed and presented an OSHA trenching and excavating safety presentation to over 28 laborer apprentices at the NELTA.

    October 21, 2019 – The Labor Liaison participated and supported the NELTA OSHA 30 course that was being held for 30 attendees.

    November 7, 2019, the Andover CAS developed and presented an OSHA update to over 35 apprentices at the NELTA. One of the topics was struck by hazards which was the leading cause of death pertaining to the focus 4 hazards in Region 1.

    December 9, 2019 – The Labor Liaison participated and presented the fourhigh hazards in construction to support the NELTA OSHA 30 course that was being held for 25 attendees.

    December 10, 2019, the Andover CAS presented the fall prevention section of an OSHA 30 hour course to over 45 laborers at the NELTA.

    December 20, 2019 – The Labor Liaison participated and supported the NELTA OSHA 30 course that was being held for 32 attendees.

    January 21, 2020, the Andover CAS presented a safety presentation regarding precautions while workers would be potentially exposed to silica.

    January 23, 2020 – The Labor Liaison participated and supported the NELTA OSHA 30 course that was being held for 28 attendees.

    NOTE – Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, the NELTA suspended in person training for the remainder of the year.

  4. Evaluations

    The Alliance’s activities were again very popular and successful for this review period. The joint training that both OSHA and the NELTA collaborated on reached a total attendance of about 300 people, discussing a variety of topics from protecting workers from a variety of hazards, promoting fall stand down activities, ladder training, increasing hazard awareness of powered cut-off machines, discussing the new silica standard, improving management of safety programs on construction sites, to and trench safety. All these technical meetings led to hundreds of construction workers engaging in various stand downs and job site specific training tool box talks.

  5. Upcoming Milestones

  6. The goal for this new period is to mentor and reach younger workers at the NELTA entering the construction field so that the next generation of construction workers, managers and safety professionals improve and advance safety and health attitudes, training, technologies, applications and programs by moving the safety bar to a greater level and reaching an increased number of workers.

    There will be continued discussion of the silica standards and implementation of new technologies to control respirable silica dust. There will be continued emphasis on reducing fall hazards through involvement and activities with the fall stand down. There need to be further insight to reduce Struck- by hazards, which are now matching fall hazards as a leading cause of fatalities and injuries in Region 1.

Report prepared by: Joseph Green, Compliance Assistance Specialist, Andover Area OSHA Office.

Activity Types:

  • Alliance Product: Products (e.g., fact sheets, videos, toolbox talks) developed by Alliance participants as part of the Alliance. These are not OSHA products.
  • Dissemination: An Alliance participant sends OSHA information, Alliance products, or other safety and health information to its stakeholders. This includes information sent by email or social media (Facebook, Twitter), and information included in newsletters and other publications. It also includes hits on the Alliance participant’s or OSHA’s Web page.
  • Evaluation: Any efforts by the Alliance participant to evaluate the effectiveness of an Alliance activity or the Alliance as a whole.
  • Event: Participation in events such as the fall stand down week.
  • Exhibit: OSHA exhibits at events sponsored by the Alliance participant.
  • OSHA Product Review: Review of an OSHA product by an Alliance participant. For example, an Alliance participant may provide technical comments on an OSHA eTool or publication. The review itself is considered the Alliance activity.
  • Speech/Presentation: Speeches or presentation by OSHA staff at events sponsored by the Alliance participant.
  • Training: This includes best practice seminars or other training that Alliance participants provide for OSHA staff. It also includes training for workers/employers/others by Alliance participants.
  • Other: Use this if an activity does not fit into one of the other categories.

OSHA Areas of Emphasis:

  • Agriculture
  • Asian American/Pacific Islander Workers
  • Construction
  • Ergonomics
  • Fall Prevention
  • Hazard Communication/Chemicals
  • Health Care
  • Heat Illness Prevention
  • Hispanic/Latino Workers
  • Maritime
  • Oil and Gas
  • Small Business
  • Temporary Workers
  • Transportation
  • Young Workers

Partnership #993 - Agreement - October 9, 2020

Region 8 - Ambassador Document - October 9, 2020


Region 8 - Ambassador Document - October 9, 2020

ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE PROGRAM AMBASSADOR RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN
BILLINGS AREA OFFICE
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND
MONTANA RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION (MREA)

Since entering into an Alliance on January 09, 2008, with subsequent renewal(s) on April, 09 2013, and October 09, 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Billings Area Office and the MREA have worked together to improve workplace health and safety by sharing information, guidance, and access to training resources that address occupational hazards, and promoting understanding of the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

OSHA and MREA continue to recognize the value of maintaining a collaborative relationship to improve safety and health practices and programs in American workplaces, and commit to continue their work together through an Alliance Program Ambassador relationship.

In recognition of this ongoing commitment, OSHA will continue to foster an active relationship with MREA by:

  • Providing routine communications on enforcement, regulatory, and outreach initiatives.
  • Sharing invitations to and offering opportunities to speak at OSHA Alliance Program and other agency stakeholder meetings or events, such as outreach and training activities through the National, Regional, or Area Office, and the National Alliance Program Construction Roundtable and Forum.
  • Engaging in information sharing and technical discussions, as appropriate, including completing special projects of mutual interest that align with agency priorities and as resources allow.
  • Maintaining the organization’s status as an Alliance Program Ambassador on the agency’s public webpage.

MREA will continue to foster an active relationship with OSHA by:

  • Sharing information with members and stakeholders on OSHA’s National Initiatives (Enforcement, Regulatory, and Outreach), and encouraging their participation in OSHA’s outreach initiatives and rulemaking processes.
  • Sharing information with members and stakeholders on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
  • Encouraging MREA chapters/worksites to build relationships with OSHA’s National, Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues.
  • Sharing information with OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding MREA’s good practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
  • Offering OSHA opportunities to speak, exhibit, or appear at one another’s conferences, local meetings, or other Safety and Health Stand Down events.
  • Adhering to requirements laid out in the Alliance Program Directive regarding the prohibition on promoting or implying the agency’s endorsement of their policies, products, or services, including acknowledging that they will not receive any preferential treatment related to any statutory function of the agency.
  • Abiding by all terms and conditions for the use of the Alliance Program logo as specified in OSHA’s Guidelines for Use of the Alliance Logo.

OSHA’s cooperative programs provide organizations an opportunity to participate in a voluntary, collaborative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as raising awareness of OSHA’s initiatives, outreach, communication, training, and education. These programs have proven to be valuable tools for both OSHA and participants. By entering into this Ambassador relationship, OSHA is not endorsing or promoting, nor does it intend to endorse or promote, any of that organization’s products or services.

This Ambassador relationship will remain in effect for the duration of an on-going cooperative association and a good faith effort by both parties to meet the intent of this document and its underlying policies. Either signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days’ written notice.

Signed this 9th day of October 2020.


Art Hazen
Area Director
Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Henry Dykema
MREA Board President
Montana Renewable Energy Association

Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - August 12, 2008


Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - August 12, 2008

ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
OSHA and Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance
August 12, 2008

  1. Alliance Background

    Date Signed

    December 12, 2002

    Dates Renewed

    December 19, 2003 February 1, 2006

    Overview

    Through the Alliance, OSHA and the Washington Division of URS Corporation are sharing best practices and technical knowledge in the areas of, but not limited to, cranes and rigging, hearing protection and ergonomics within the engineering and construction industry.

    Implementation Team Members

    OSHA:

    Stew Burkhammer
    Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction)
    Jerry Hockett
    Region X
    Van Howell
    Region X
    Lisa Ramber
    Office of Outreach Services and Alliances,
    Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs

    Washington Division of URS Corporation:

    Rick Callor
    Brad Giles
    Willie Piispanen

    Evaluation Period

    December 12, 2006 - December 11, 2007

  2. Implementation Team Meetings

    January 4, 2007
    Implementation Team Meeting
    February 21, 2007
    Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting
    March 15, 2007
    Construction Roundtable, Fall Protection Workgroup Meeting
    September 12, 2007
    Construction Roundtable, Fall Protection Workgroup Meeting
    September 18, 2007
    Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup
    November 15, 2007
    Implementation Team Meeting

    In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Program's progress and results.

  3. Results

    1. Events and Products

      Training and Education Goal

      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs on specific construction industry safety and health issues and provide expertise in communicating such information to employers and employees in the industry.

      Events

      ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals Class

      The Washington Division of URS Corporation offers the ASP/CSP training, free- of-charge, to a wide variety of individuals and organizations. Through the OSHA and Washington Division Alliance, OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office worked with the company to offer this training. Willie Piispanen, Washington Division, Van Howell, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA and Dr. Dale Stephenson, Boise State University, organized"ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals;" a two hour class presented October 2006 – January 2007. The classes covered the fundamental concepts of the ASP/CSP exam but were also open to anyone interested in receiving a fundamental training in safety concepts. The classes were held at the Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office and the Washington Division printed the class' lecture notes and supplied four instructors. Twenty people registered for the class

      Outreach and Communication Goals

      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and the Washington Group International's Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.

      Products

      OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages

      Washington Division representatives are continuing to provide their expertise as members of the following OSHA Safety and Health Topic pages' editorial boards and are providing the agency with input and comments on the pages' content:

      • Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety, Rick Callor
      • Fall Protection, Rick Callor
      • Safety and Health Programs, Ken Way
      • Scaffolding, Ron Cross
      • Silica, Crystaline, Craig Beck
      • Toxic Metals, Willie Piispanen
      • Trenching and Excavation, Rick Callor
      • Workplace Violence, Joe Herrity

      OSHA and Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance Web Page

      The OSHA and Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance Web page on OSHA's Web site contains information on the Alliance, including Products and Resources, Activities and Events, and Milestones and Successes. The page is updated regularly.

      Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance Web Page

      The Washington Division of URS Corporation has an Alliance Program Web page on its Web site that highlights the company's commitment to and participation in the Program. In addition, the page links to the case study on OSHA’s Web site, "Washington Division Designs and builds a Mixed-Waste Treatment Facility," which was developed through the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable’s Design for Safety Workgroup.

      Publications

      Information on the activities of the OSHA and Washington Division Alliance has appeared in publications such as IEC Codes & Safety and OSHA's Alliance Quarterly Review. For more information on the articles, see the "Alliance Program Reach" table.

      • Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding Washington Group International's best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by Washington Group International and through OSHA- or Washington Group International-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).

      Events

      2007 ASSE Safety Conference, Boise, Idaho, April 23-25, 2007

      Michelle Steeler, Washington Division, was the Chair of the Planning Committee for the 2007 ASSE Safety Conference that was held April 23-25, 2007 in Boise, ID. Rosemary Olney, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA was a Technical Session chair. During the event, Richard Terrill, Regional Administrator, Region X, USDOL-OSHA was the keynote speaker. In addition, Willie Piispanen, Washington Division was a session presenter on "Workplace Ergonomics" and David Mahlum, Assistant Regional Administrator, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA, with the assistance of Willie Piispanen, presented a session on "The VPP Applications Process."

      Prevention through Design Workshop, Washington, D.C., July 9-11, 2007

      On July 9, 2007, Thomas H. Zarges, Chief Operating Officer, Washington Division of URS Corporation, gave the Workshop's Keynote Presentation during which he discussed the OSHA and Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance at the Prevention Through Design Workshop in Washington, D.C.

      Safety and Health Professional Development Forum, Boise, Idaho, October 22-26, 2007

      On July 22-26, 2007, the Washington Division held its Safety and Health Professional Development Forum, also known as the Safety Workshop, in Boise, Idaho. Bill Bankhead, Region X, Boise Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA was the Forum’s plenary speaker and made a presentation to more than 200 environmental, safety and health professionals from the Division’s projects around the world.

      Products

      OSHA and Washington Division of URS Corporation Job Shadowing Program

      The OSHA and Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance continued its work on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program. The Washington Division is reviewing its upcoming projects for an appropriate opportunity for OSHA representatives to work with the company for one to three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project. Projects that are under consideration include the "Build Idaho" program through which all of Idaho's interstates will be redeveloped.

      • Promote and encourage the Washington Group International to participate in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

      OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

      During the reporting period, the Washington Division's Wisconsin Power Constructors and Pine Bluff Chemical DeMil facility were recognized as OSHA VPP Star sites. A number of the company’s employees completed the required training to become Special Government Employee (SGEs) and they have assisted OSHA as VPP onsite evaluation team members. In addition, an SGE training session was held in conjunction with the Washington Division’s Safety Workshop October 25-26, 2007. Dave Baker, VPP Manager, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA, was the session’s coordinator. Three Washington Division employees also participated in the training.

      Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals

      • Develop and disseminate case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health and publicize their results.

      Washington Group International Designs and Builds a Mixed-Waste Treatment Facility, Washington Division of URS Corporation Case Study

      Though the Washington Division's participation on the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Design for Safety Workgroup, the company worked with OSHA to develop a case study, "Washington Group International Designs and Builds a Mixed-Waste Treatment Facility," that describes how it incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho. The case study was completed and posted on OSHA’s Web site in February 2007.

      • Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on engineering and construction industry issues to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.

      Events

      OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups

      On July 8, 2004, representatives from the Washington Division of URS Corporation participated in the Alliance Program's Construction Roundtable for construction-related national Alliances. The Washington Division has representatives on the Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups that were created during the roundtable meeting.

      Design for Safety Workgroup – The Washington Division is participating on the Design for Safety Workgroup and worked with OSHA and the Workgroup to complete a case study describing how it incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho. A Washington Division representative attended the Workgroup meetings on February 21, 2007 and September 18, 2007.

      In addition, the Washington Division is using information developed through the Workgroup to implement a company training program; Safer Design in Construction. Rick Callor presented an abbreviated version of the course to the Design for Safety Workgroup on February 21, 2007.

      Fall Protection Workgroup – The Washington Division is participating on the Fall Protection Workgroup and helped develop the "Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry" training program. The program is designed for construction industry audiences, including small business owners, trainers, foreman and workers. In addition, the Workgroup completed toolbox talks for ladders that address issues such as "Do's and Don'ts of Using a Ladder", "Choosing the Right Ladder" and "Set-Up and Use of a Ladder." A Washington Division of URS Corporation representative attended Workgroup meetings on March 15, 2007 and September 12, 2007.

    2. Executive Summary

      Through the OSHA and Washington Division Alliance, the organizations are continuing to focus on developing training programs and sharing safety and health information and resources. In addition, the successful collaborative relationship that the Washington Division has established with OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office continued throughout the reporting period. As a result, both organizations agreed discuss renewing the Alliance for two years.

      During the past year, representatives from the Washington Division and OSHA’s Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office worked together to teach an ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals class. Representatives from the organizations also worked together to make presentations at a number of trade association and industry events such as the ASSE Safety Conference that was held April 23-25 in Boise, Idaho.

      In addition, Thomas H. Zarges, Chief Operating Officer, Washington Division of URS Corporation, gave the Prevention Through Design Workshop's Keynote Presentation on July 9, 2007 in Washington, D.C. During the presentation he discussed the OSHA and Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance. On July 22-26, 2007, the Washington Division held its Safety and Health Professional Development Forum, also known as the Safety Workshop, in Boise, Idaho. Bill Bankhead, Region X, Boise Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA was the Forum’s plenary speaker and made a presentation to more than 200 environmental, safety and health professionals from the Division’s projects around the world.

      The Washington Division continues to provide its expertise to OSHA through serving on a number of OSHA's Safety and Health Topics pages' editorial boards including Trenching and Excavation, Workplace Violence, and Safety and Health Programs. In addition, representatives from the Washington Division continue to participate in the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups. Through the Design for Safety Workgroup, the company worked with OSHA to complete a case study that describes how the company incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho.

      During the reporting period, the Washington Division's Wisconsin Power Constructors and Pine Bluff Chemical DeMil facility were recognized as OSHA VPP Star sites. A number of the company’s employees completed the required training to become SGEs and have assisted OSHA as VPP onsite evaluation team members. In addition, an SGE training session was held in conjunction with the Washington Division’s Safety Workshop October 25-26, 2007. Dave Baker, VPP Manager, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA, was the session’s coordinator. Three Washington Division employees also participated in the training.

    3. Alliance Program Reach

      Type of Activity
      (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)
      Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
      November 2, 2007, "Latest in OSHA Compliance Assistance Tools," ASSE Government Affairs Update Data not available
      October 22-26, 2007, Safety and Health Professional Development Forum, Boise, Idaho

      Plenary Speaker:

      Bill Bankhead, Region X, Boise Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA
      208
      July 9, 2007, Prevention through Design Workshop, Washington, D.C.

      Speaker:

      Thomas H. Zarges, Chief Operating Officer, Washington Division of URS Corporation
      200
      May 2007, "Design for Worker Safety Pays off for Construction Project," IEC Codes & Safety Data not available
      April 23-25, 2007, 2007 ASSE Safety Conference, Boise, Idaho

      Speakers:

      "Keynote Presentation"
      Richard Terrill, Regional Administrator, Region X, USDOL-OSHA

      "Workplace Ergonomics"
      Willie Piispanen, Washington Division

      "The VPP Applications Process"
      David Mahlum, Assistant Regional Administrator, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA
      Data not available
      March 2007, "Design for Worker Safety Pays Off for Construction Project, Alliance Quarterly Review 300
      OSHA Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety; Safety and Health Topic page 40,142
      OSHA Fall Protection Safety and Health Topics page 89,390
      OSHA Safety and Health Programs Safety and Health Topic page 49,533
      OSHA Scaffolding Safety and Health Topic page 64,815
      OSHA Silica, Crystalline Safety and Health Topic page 40,986
      OSHA Toxic Metals Safety and Health Topic page 32,408
      OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety and Health Topic page 33,866
      OSHA Workplace Violence Safety and Health Topic page 98,521
      OSHA and Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance Web page 3,030
      Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance Web page Data not available
      TOTAL 453,091
  4. Upcoming Milestones

    Through signing an Alliance renewal agreement in January 2008, OSHA and the Washington Division of URS Corporation will continue the Alliance's education and training and outreach and communication efforts in the upcoming year. For example, the company will host the third annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest in January 2008. In addition, OSHA staff and Washington Division representatives will make presentations on designing for safety. The company’s staff will also speak to local and regional groups about its participation in the Alliance Program and the company's successful safety and health programs.

    OSHA and the Washington Division will continue working on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program and the company will review its upcoming projects to identify an appropriate opportunity for OSHA representatives to take part in during the design phase. OSHA's Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office will also work to identify sites for Washington Division representatives to join its staff as worksite reviews of OSHA's Strategic Partnership's and VPP participants are conducted.

    Representatives from the Washington Division of URS Corporation will also attend the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups meetings. In addition, the Washington Division will continue to work to have all of its worksites recognized as VPP Star sites through its participation in the OSHA VPP Corporate Pilot.

Report prepared by: Lisa Ramber, OSHA and Washington Division of URS Corporation Alliance Coordinator, August 12, 2008.

Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - February 8, 2007


Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - February 8, 2007

ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance
February 8, 2007

  1. Alliance Background

    Date Signed

    December 12, 2002

    Dates Renewed

    December 19, 2003
    February 1, 2006

    Overview

    Through the Alliance, OSHA and the Washington Group International, Inc. are sharing best practices and technical knowledge in the areas of, but not limited to, cranes and rigging, hearing protection and ergonomics within the engineering and construction industry.

    Implementation Team Members

    OSHA:

    Stew Burkhammer
    Office of Construction Services
    Jerry Hockett
    Region X
    Van Howell
    Region X
    Lisa Ramber
    Office of Outreach Services and Alliances

    Washington Group International:

    Rick Callor
    Brad Giles
    Willie Piispanen

    Evaluation Period

    December 12, 2005 - December 11, 2006

  2. Implementation Team Meetings

    January 31, 2006
    Construction Roundtable, Fall Protection Workgroup Meeting
    April 18, 2006
    Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting
    May 16, 2006
    Construction Roundtable, Fall Protection Workgroup Meeting
    May 17, 2006
    Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting
    June 30, 2006
    Implementation Team Meeting
    October 24, 2006
    Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting

    In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Program's progress and results.

  3. Results

    1. Events and Products

      Training and Education Goal

      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs on specific construction industry safety and health issues and provide expertise in communicating such information to employers and employees in the industry.

      Products

      OSHA 10 Hour Training for Idaho Educators

      A 10 Hour OSHA Vocational Education Training Program was developed jointly by the OSHA Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, Idaho Department of Education and Rick Callor, Washington Group International. The training program was completed in September 2006. The training specifically addresses tools, equipment and machinery that are used in vocational education classes as based on-site audits that were conducted in 2006.

      Events

      ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals Class

      The Washington Group International offers this training free of charge to a wide variety of individuals and organizations. Through the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, OSHA's Boise Area Office worked with the company to offer this training to OSHA staff. Willie Piispanen, Washington Group International, Van Howell, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA and Dr. Dale Stephenson, Boise State University, organized "ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals;" a two hour class presented every Monday night beginning October 2006. The classes covered the fundamental concepts of the ASP/CSP exam but were also open to anyone interested in receiving a fundamental training in safety concepts. The classes were held at the Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office and the Washington Group International printed the class' lecture notes and supplied four instructors. Twenty-two people registered for the class.

      Outreach and Communication Goals

      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and the Washington Group International's Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.

      Products

      OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages

      Washington Group International representatives are continuing to provide their expertise as members of the following Safety and Health Topic pages' Editorial Boards and are providing OSHA with input and comments on the pages' content:

      • Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety, Rick Callor
      • Fall Protection, Rick Callor
      • Safety and Health Programs, Ken Way
      • Scaffolding, Ron Cross
      • Silica, Crystaline, Craig Beck
      • Toxic Metals, Willie Piispanen
      • Trenching and Excavation, Rick Callor
      • Workplace Violence, Joe Herrity

      OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web Page

      The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web page on OSHA's Web site contains information on the Alliance, including Products and Resources, Activities and Events, and Milestones and Successes. The page is updated regularly.

      Washington Group International Alliance Web Page

      The Washington Group International has an Alliance Program section on its Web site that highlights the company's commitment to and participation in the Program. In addition, the page links to information on the company's involvement in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs.

      Publications

      Information on the activities of the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, including the signing of the Alliance renewal agreement, has appeared in publications such as BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter and OSHA's Alliance Quarterly Review.

      • Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding Washington Group International's best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by Washington Group International and through OSHA- or Washington Group International-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).

      Events

      ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety, 2006, Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle, Washington, June 11 - 14, 2006

      On, June 12, 2006, Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA, and Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group International, participated in a panel roundtable; "OSHA Construction Update." During the roundtable discussions, OSHA's Alliance Program initiatives and cooperative programs were discussed. In addition, Stewart Burkhammer and Brad Giles participated in a panel presentation; "Designing for Construction Worker Safety" on June 14, 2006. During the presentation they presented the "Designing for Construction Safety" slide presentation developed through the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Design for Safety Workgroup.

      Washington Group International Safety Workshop, DoubleTree Hotel, Boise, Idaho, July 24 - 28, 2006

      On July 24 - 28, 2006, the Washington Group International held its "Safety and Health Professional Development Forum" also know as the Safety Workshop in Boise, Idaho. On July 24, 2007, Paula White, Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Cooperative Program Update" and discussed the Agency's Voluntary Protection Programs and its Corporate Pilot Program, as well as the Strategic Partnership and the Alliance Programs. On July 25, 2006, Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Construction Update" and highlighted the Alliances that are impacting the construction industry.

      2006 Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference, Boise, Idaho, October 4 - 6, 2006

      The Washington Group International's Michelle Steeler and Willie Piispanen were members of the Planning Committee for the 2006 Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference that was held October 4 - 6, 2006 in Boise, ID. During the event, Van Howell, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA was the Technical Session chair. The Washington Group International was the sponsor for the conference's OSHA technical track and also had an information booth during the event. More than 175 safety and health professionals participated in the three-day conference.

      Safety Fest of the Great Northwest, Boise, Idaho, December 11 - 15, 2006

      The Washington Group International, Associated General Contractors, the Idaho Department of Technical Education, American Society of Safety Engineers and OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office co-sponsored the second annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest December 11 - 15, 2006 at the Washington Group International Corporate Headquarters in Boise, Idaho. Approximately 92 private companies and 18 government and non-profit groups sent employees to the event who attended numerous construction-related training classes free-of-charge. In addition, 24 construction-related companies exhibited their products and services in a vendor area. More than 520 employers and employees participated in the five day event; the majority of which were from Idaho but also included attendees from 9 other states and Puerto Rico. During the event, 39 training classes were offered; of which four classes were presented in Spanish.

      On December 11, 2006, Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., USDOL-OSHA presented the Safety Fest's opening address. In addition, Richard Terrill, Regional Administrator, Region X, participated in the event on December 12, 2006.

      Products

      OSHA and Washington Group International Job Shadowing Program

      The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Implementation Team continued its work on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program. The Washington Group International is reviewing its upcoming projects for an appropriate opportunity for OSHA representatives to work with the company for one to three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project. Projects that are under consideration include the "Build Idaho" program through which all of Idaho's interstates will be redeveloped.

      • Promote and encourage the Washington Group International to participate in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

      OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

      During the reporting year, the Washington Group International's Boise Corporate office, Monsanto project, the Anniston DeMil and the Umatilla DeMil sites were recognized as OSHA VPP Star sites. In addition, the Washington Group International became the sixth participant in the VPP Corporate Pilot Program. A number of Washington Group International employees are also completing the required training to become Special Government Employee (SGEs) and will be approved to assist as VPP onsite evaluation team members. In addition, the company's Rocky Mountain Arsenal project hosted a SGE training session in September 2006.

      Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals

      • Develop and disseminate case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health and publicize their results.

      Washington Group International Designs and Builds a Mixed-Waste Treatment Facility, Washington Group International Case Study

      Though the Washington Group International's participation on the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Design for Safety Workgroup, the company has been working with OSHA to develop a case study describing how it incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho.

      • Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on engineering and construction industry issues to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.

      Events

      OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups

      On July 8, 2004, representatives from the Washington Group International participated in the Alliance Program's Construction Roundtable for construction-related national Alliances. The Washington Group International has representatives on the Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups that were created during the roundtable meeting.

      Design for Safety Workgroup – The Washington Group International is participating on the Design for Safety Workgroup and helped develop a 2-4 Hour Design for Safety Training Course. The course is based on the Design for Construction Safety slide presentation and provides technical information for those that are interested learning more about designing for safety. In addition, the company has been working with OSHA and the Workgroup to develop a case study describing how it incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho. A Washington Group International representative attended the Workgroup meetings on April 18, 2006, May 17, 2006 and October 24, 2006.

      In addition, the Washington Group International is using information developed through the Workgroup to implement a company training program; Safer Design in Construction. Rick Callor presented the first training classes at the Washington Group International Denver Engineering office in June 2006. Classes were also presented in Washington Group International offices in Princeton, NJ; Boise, ID; Denver, CO; Bucharest, Romania; Birmingham, AL; and Cleveland, OH. Approximately 500 engineers, estimators, and procurement personnel were trained in 2006.

      Fall Protection Workgroup – The Washington Group International is participating on the Fall Protection Workgroup and helped develop the "Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry" training program. The program is designed for construction industry audiences, including small business owners, trainers, foreman and workers. In addition, the Workgroup is developing toolbox talks for ladders that address issues such as "Do's and Don'ts of Using a Ladder", "Choosing the Right Ladder" and "Set-Up and Use of a Ladder." A Washington Group International representative attended the Workgroup meetings on January 31, 2006 and May 16, 2006.

    2. Executive Summary

      Through the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, the organizations are continuing to focus on developing training programs and sharing safety and health information and resources. In addition, the successful collaborative relationship that the Washington Group International has established with OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office continued throughout the reporting period. As a result, both organizations agreed to renew the Alliance for two years and an agreement was signed on February 16, 2006.

      During the past year, OSHA and the Washington Group International worked with the Region X, Boise, Idaho Area office to develop a 10 Hour OSHA Vocational Education Training Program that addresses tools, equipment and machinery that are used in vocational education classes. In addition, representatives from the Washington Group International and Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office worked together to teach an ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals class.

      In addition, OSHA and Washington Group International representatives continued to reach out to numerous groups to make presentations on safety and health issues and programs. For example, on June 12, 2006 during the ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety 2006 in Seattle, Washington, Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, USDOL-OSHA, and Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group International, participated in a panel roundtable; "OSHA Construction Update." In addition, Stewart Burkhammer and Brad Giles participated in a panel presentation; "Designing for Construction Worker Safety" on June 14, 2006.

      On July 24, 2006, during the Washington Group International's "Safety and Health Professional Development Forum" also know as the Safety Workshop in Boise, Idaho, Paula White, Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Cooperative Program Update" and discussed the Agency's Voluntary Protection Programs and its Corporate Pilot Program, as well as the Strategic Partnership and the Alliance Programs. On July 25, 2006, Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Construction Update" and highlighted the Alliances that are impacting the construction industry.

      The second annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest was held December 11-15, 2006 in Boise, ID. It was co-sponsored by the Washington Group International, Associated General Contractors, the Idaho Department of Technical Education, American Society of Safety Engineers and OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office. During the event, employees from approximately 92 private companies and 18 government and non-profit groups attended numerous construction-related training classes free-of-charge. In addition, 24 construction-related companies exhibited their products and services in a vendor area. Also, on December 11, 2006, Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., USDOL-OSHA presented the Safety Fest's opening address and Richard Terrill, Region X, Regional Administrator, participated in the event on December 12, 2006.

      The Washington Group International continues to provide its expertise to OSHA through serving on a number of OSHA's Safety and Health Topics pages' editorial boards including Trenching and Excavation, Workplace Violence, and Safety and Health Programs. In addition, representatives from the Washington Group International continue to participate in the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups. Through the Design for Safety Workgroup, the Washington Group International worked with OSHA to develop a case study that describes how the company incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho.

      The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Implementation Team continued its work on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program. The company is reviewing its upcoming projects for an appropriate opportunity for OSHA representatives to work with the Washington Group International for one to three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project. Projects that are under consideration include the "Build Idaho" program through which all of Idaho's interstates will be redeveloped.

      During the reporting year, the Washington Group International's Boise Corporate office, Monsanto project, the Anniston DeMil and the Umatilla DeMil were recognized as VPP Star sites. In addition, the Washington Group International became the sixth participant in the VPP Corporate Pilot Program. A number of Washington Group International employees are also completing the required training to become Special Government Employee (SGEs).

    3. Alliance Program Reach

      Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.) Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
      February 1, 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group International Renew Alliance," OSHA News Release 69 News Services
      February 1, 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group International Renew Alliance; Focus Continues on Areas of Cranes and Rigging, Hearing Protection and Ergonomics," U.S. Newswire Data not available
      February 6, 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group International Renew Alliance," Safety Online Data not available
      February 9, 2006, "OSHA Renews Washington Group Alliance," BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter Data not available
      February 15, 2006, "National Alliances Renewed," OSHA QuickTakes 52,000
      February 16, 2006, "National Alliances Renewed," News for OSC Data not available
      March 2006, "Safety Fest Addresses Construction Worker Safety in the Northwest," Alliance Quarterly Review 350
      Spring 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group Renew Alliance, The Washington Way Data not available
      April 2006, "OSHA Alliances," OSHA Up To Date Data not available
      June 12, 2006, ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety, 2006, Seattle, Washington

      "OSHA Construction Update"

      Speakers:

      Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA

      Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group International
      70
      June 14, 2006, ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety, 2006, Seattle, Washington

      "Designing for Construction Worker Safety"

      Speakers:

      Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA

      Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group International
      65
      July 24, 2006, Safety Workshop, "Safety and Health Professional Development Forum," Boise, Idaho

      "OSHA Cooperative Program Update"

      Speaker:

      Paula White, Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA
      200
      July 25, 2006, Safety Workshop, "Safety and Health Professional Development Forum," Boise, Idaho

      "OSHA Construction Update"

      Speaker:

      Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, USDOL-OSHA
      200
      December 11, 2006, Safety Fest of the Great Northwest, Boise, Idaho

      Speaker:

      Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., USDOL-OSHA
      520
      OSHA Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety; Safety and Health Topic page 30,000
      OSHA Fall Protection Safety and Health Topics page 30,000
      OSHA Safety and Health Programs Safety and Health Topic page 38,000
      OSHA Scaffolding Safety and Health Topic page 47,000
      OSHA Silica, Crystalline Safety and Health Topic page 34,000
      OSHA Toxic Metals Safety and Health Topic page 30,000
      OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety and Health Topic page 27,000
      OSHA Workplace Violence Safety and Health Topic page 22,000
      OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web page 5,940
      Washington Group International Alliance Web page Data not available
      TOTAL 287,414
  4. Upcoming Milestones

    OSHA and the Washington Group International will continue the Alliance's education and training and outreach and communication efforts in the upcoming year. For example, the company will support the Idaho Department of Education's Safety Training initiative and it will sponsor and hold the third annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest.

    In addition, OSHA staff from Region X will be invited to attend the company's 2007 Safety Workshop in Boise, Idaho. Washington Group International staff will also speak to local and regional groups about its participation in the Alliance Program and the company's successful safety and health programs.

    OSHA and the Washington Group International will continue working on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program and the company will review its upcoming projects to identify an appropriate opportunity for OSHA representatives to take part in during the design phase. OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office will work to identify sites for Washington Group International representatives to join its staff as worksite reviews of OSHA's Strategic Partnership's participants are conducted.

    The Washington Group International will also attend the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups meetings. Through the Design for Safety Workgroup, the case study about the company's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility project that successfully incorporated safety during the project's design phase will be finalized. The case study will be posted on OSHA's Web site in 2007. In addition, Rick Callor will present the Washington Group International's course that was developed using information from the Workgroup's "Designing for Construction Safety" slide presentation to OSHA staff and Alliance Program representatives.

    In addition, the Washington Group International will continue to work to have its worksites recognized as VPP Star sites. For example, the Pine Bluff Arsenal site has completed the draft application for VPP under the agency's Corporate Pilot Program. This application will be submitted to OSHA in 2007.

Report prepared by: Lisa Ramber, OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Coordinator, February 8, 2007

Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - December 30, 2005


Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - December 30, 2005

ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
OSHA and the Washington Group International Alliance
December 30, 2005

  1. Alliance Background

    Date Signed

    December 12, 2002

    Date Renewed

    December 19, 2003

    Overview

    Through the Alliance, OSHA and the Washington Group International, Inc. are sharing best practices and technical knowledge in the areas of, but not limited to, cranes and rigging, hearing protection and ergonomics within the engineering and construction industry.

    Implementation Team Members

    OSHA:

    Ginger Henry
    Directorate of Construction
    Lisa Ramber
    Office of Outreach Services and Alliances
    Jerry Hockett
    Region X
    Van Howell
    Region X

    Washington Group International:

    Brad Giles
    Willie Piispanen

    Evaluation Period

    December 12, 2004 - December 11, 2005

  2. Implementation Team Meetings

    January 14, 2005
    Implementation Team Meeting
    April 12, 2005
    Implementation Team Meeting
    July 19, 2005
    Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting (Ken Way)
    October 11, 2005
    Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroup Meetings (Brad Giles and Ken Way)

    In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Program's progress and results.

  3. Results

    1. Events and Products

      Training and Education Goals

      • Develop safety and health training and educational information that can be incorporated into existing company programs or develop new courses for employees and contractors.

      During this reporting period, OSHA and Washington Group International did not work on projects to address this goal.

      • Encourage employees and contractors to incorporate a proactive safety and health culture into their day-to-day operations.

      Events

      OSHA 10 Hour Training - General Industry and Construction
      Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, February 22 - 23, 2005
      Idaho Falls, Idaho, March 7 - 8, 2005

      Washington Group International continued to work with the Idaho State Department of Education, Division of Professional-Technical Education to organize, teach, and host training programs for trade school educators in Idaho. The program begins with a two-day Construction Safety Train-the-Trainer course that provides teachers with a 10-hour OSHA safety certification card. It continues with 30 hours of online OSHA safety courses that, upon successful completion, qualify the teachers to participate in the 40-hour OSHA 500 Train-the-Trainer Course. They are then qualified to use OSHA's 10 hour course to instruct students about OSHA safety and health regulations. When their students complete the course, they are awarded an OSHA 10-hour safety certification card.

      The following OSHA 10 Hour training programs were taught by Washington Group instructors in 2005:

      • February 22 - 23, 2005, Coeur D'Alene, ID; 54 people attended
      • March 7 - 8, 2005, Idaho Falls, ID; 35 people attended

      OSHA Training Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry Idaho Falls, Idaho, June 27-30, 2005

      The Washington Group assisted OSHA's Region X Boise, Idaho Area Office in arranging the OSHA Training Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry train-the-trainer program for Idaho educators. Training was held June 27 – 30, 2005 in Pocatello, Idaho and OSHA's Training Institute provided an instructor for the course. After completing the course, the vocational instructors were qualified to teach OSHA's 10-hour and 30-hour courses. Eighteen Idaho educators completed the training session.

      Outreach and Communication Goals

      • Participate in the cross training of OSHA personnel, industry safety and health practitioners and engineering and construction contractors in the Washington Group's best practices and/or effective approaches in accident prevention.

      Events

      Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference, Butte, Montana, April, 7, 2005

      On April 7, 2005, Aaron Moore, Washington Group International presented "Economics of Safety" at the Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference in Butte MT. During the conference William Piispanen, also with the Washington Group, presented "Stretch & Flex, A Workplace Intervention to Reduce Soft Tissue Injuries." Other presenters at the conference included Jeff Funke from OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office and Mike Foreman from Region VIII Helena, Montana Area Office.

      American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Professional Development Conference, Safety 2005, Ernest R. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 12-15, 2005

      On June 12, 2005, Brad Giles, Washington Group International, participated in a Panel Roundtable on "OSHA Construction Update" with Stewart Burkhammer, OSHA's Office of Construction Services. During the roundtable discussions, OSHA's Alliance Program initiatives and cooperative programs were discussed.

      On June 15, 2005, "Supporting SH&E Careers in Government," was presented during ASSE's annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. The workshop panelists included Brad Giles, Stewart Burkhammer, and Roger Brauer, Board of Certified Safety Professionals (an Alliance Program participant). Topics covered in the workshop provided government employees in the safety, health and environmental fields with career development information, including the paths and milestones for professional level certification.

      Safety Fest of the Great Northwest, Boise, Idaho, November 29 - December 2, 2005

      The Washington Group International, Associated General Contractors, the Idaho Department of Technical Education, and OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office held this event at the Washington Group's office complex in Boise, Idaho. All contractors and workers in the intermountain northwest area were invited to the free-of-charge event to attend safety and health training programs. Attendees came from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah. Keynote presenters at the event included the Honorable Governor Dirk Kempthorne, OSHA's Region X Administrator Richard Terrell, Region X Boise Area Office's Compliance Assistance Specialist Bill Bankhead and Brad Giles, Vice President of Environmental, Safety, Health and Security for the Washington Group.

      Washington Group presenters for the safety and health training sessions included:

      • John Isham and Willie Piispanen, Noise and Hearing Conservation
      • Rick Callor, Equipment Safety Program, Crane Safety, and OSHA 10 Hour
      • Aaron Moore, Safety Makes Cents and OSHA 10 Hour
      • Jose Melendez, OSHA 10 Hour Course in Spanish
      • Susie Vader, Environmental Awareness

      During the event a total of 416 seats were filled for the 24 training classes. In addition, 167 attendees completed an OSHA 10 hour training class including 36 participants in the two Spanish language presentations. Six representatives from OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office participated in the event and State government entities that sent employees to the event included State of Idaho Prisons, State Insurance Fund, Idaho Transportation Department, and City of Boise. Local pipe fitters and plumbers unions also participated in the Safety Fest.

      ASSE Regional Operating Committee Meeting, March 3 – 4, 2005

      Willie Piispanen attended ASSE's Regional Operating Committee meeting March 3 - 4, 2005 as the Area Director for ASSE and made a presentation to the Region II ASSE officers on the OSHA Alliance Program.

      Products

      OSHA and Washington Group International Job Shadowing Program

      The Alliance Implementation Team continued its work on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program. The company is reviewing its upcoming projects for an appropriate project for OSHA representatives to work with the Washington Group for one to three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project.

      In addition, OSHA identified a Strategic Partnership renewal worksite visit for Washington Group representatives to accompany OSHA personnel. As a result, on July 19, 2005 Susan O'Very from the Washington Group's Boise Infrastructure accompanied Dan Dolata from OSHA's Region X Boise Area office on a worksite visit.

      Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals

      • Seek opportunities to participate in stakeholder groups and other forums for providing input into the development of safety and health standards for the construction industry.

      Events

      OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups

      Representatives from the Washington Group International participated in the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable for construction-related national Alliances on July 8, 2004 in Washington, DC. The Roundtable participants discussed how the construction-related national Alliances could work together to address issues such as ergonomics, silica and motor vehicle safety. The Washington Group has representatives on the Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups that were created during the roundtable meeting.

      Design for Safety Workgroup - The Design for Safety Workgroup is working on a number of projects including a general PowerPoint® presentation on "Designing for Safety" and a "Design for Safety" Web page. In addition, a case study, "Design for Safety – Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility" based on a Washington Group project is being developed by the group.

      Fall Protection Workgroup - The Fall Protection Workgroup is in the final stages of completing development of a Fall Protection Safety Tip Sheets for Employers and Employees. In addition, the workgroup is providing comments to the OSHA Office of Training and Education on the "Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry" training course, developed by OSHA's Office of Training and Education. The Workgroup will also develop "toolbox talks" after the Safety Tip Sheets and the training course are completed.

      Washington Group representatives participated in the following Workgroup meetings:

        • July 19, 2005 Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting (Ken Way)
        • October 11, 2005 Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroup Meetings (Brad Giles and Ken Way)

      • Share information regarding the Washington Group's engineering and construction safety and health best practices, and cost benefit analysis techniques, with others in the industry through outreach by the Washington Group and OSHA.

      Events

      Washington Group International Safety Workshop, Washington Group Corporate Offices, Boise, Idaho, April 11 – 13, 2005

      On April 11 - 13, 2005, the Washington Group International held a Safety Workshop at the company's offices in Boise, Idaho. Three representatives from OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office and Lisa Ramber from OSHA's National Office and the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance coordinator attended the meeting and workshops. Topics covered during the event included crane safety, accident investigation techniques, equipment safety programs, hearing conservation, and rigging safety.

      Products

      OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages

      Washington Group representatives are continuing as members of the following Safety and Health Topic pages' Editorial Boards and providing OSHA with input and comments on the pages' content:

        • Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety, Rick Callor
        • Trenching and Excavation, Rick Callor
        • Workplace Violence, Joe Herrity
        • Safety and Health Programs, Ken Way
        • Heavy Metals/Toxic Metals, Willie Piispanen
        • Scaffolding, Ron Cross
        • Crystaline Silica, Craig Beck
      • Promote the Washington Group International's engineering and construction safety and health success stories through the company's and OSHA's Web sites and publications.

      Products

      OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web Page

      The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web page on OSHA's Web site contains information on the Alliance, Products and Resources, Activities and Events, and Milestones and Successes. The page is updated regularly.

      Washington Group International Alliance Web page

      The Washington Group International has an Alliance Program section on its Web page that highlights the company's commitment to and participation in the Program. In addition, the page links to information on the Washington Group's involvement in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

    2. Executive Summary

      Through the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, the organizations are continuing to focus on training programs that support small business enterprises, educate Idaho technical instructors, and provide OSHA with insight into how construction contractors' safety and health programs are operated. In addition, the collaborative relationship that the Washington Group has established with OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office has significantly contributed to the success of the Alliance. Both organizations have agreed to renew the Alliance agreement for an additional two years.

      During the past year, OSHA and the Washington Group have provided safety and health train-the-trainer programs for Idaho technical educators (secondary schools and colleges) so that they could provide safety and health training to graduating high school students and class instructors. The program begins with a two-day Construction Safety Train-the-Trainer course that provides teachers with a 10-hour OSHA safety certification card. It continues with 30 hours of online OSHA safety courses that, upon successful completion, qualify the teachers to participate in the 40-hour OSHA 500 Train-the-Trainer Course.

      In 2005, training programs were held in Coeur D'Alene and Idaho Falls, Idaho and 90 educators were trained. In addition, the Washington Group helped OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office organize a Construction Safety Train-the-Trainer course. The training was held in Pocatello, Idaho for technical educators and OSHA's Training Institute provided an instructor for the course.

      The Washington Group also continued to reach out to numerous groups to make presentations on the organization's safety and health programs and its participation in the Alliance Program. OSHA representatives also made presentations at these conferences or were in the audience. For example, at the Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference, April, 7, 2005, in Butte, Montana, Aaron Moore and William Piispanen, Washington Group International, spoke to the group about the Economics of Safety and the company's Stretch and Flex Program. OSHA representatives from OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office and Region VIII Helena, Montana Area Office also spoke during the conference.

      During the ASSE Professional Development Conference, Safety 2005 June 12 - 15 at the Ernest R. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, Brad Giles, Washington Group International; Stewart Burkhammer, OSHA Office of Construction Services; and Roger Brauer, Board of Certified Safety Professionals (an Alliance Program participant); spoke during a workshop, "Supporting SH&E Careers in Government." Brad Giles and Steward Burkhammer also spoke during a "Construction Roundtable" at the event.

      In addition, numerous OSHA representatives, including Richard Terrill, Region X Administrator and Washington Group made presentations to the more than 400 attendees at the Safety Fest of the Great Northwest, November 29 - December 2, 2005, Safety Boise, Idaho.

      The Washington Group is continuing to provide its expertise to OSHA through serving on a number of OSHA's Safety and Health Topics pages' editorial boards including Trenching and Excavation, Workplace Violence, and Safety and Health Programs. In addition, representatives from the Washington Group continue to participate on the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups. Through the Design for Safety Workgroup, the company is working with OSHA to develop a case study that highlights the Washington Group's successful integration of safety into the design process during its Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility project.

      The Alliance has also continued its Job Shadowing Program. During the past year, a Washington Group representative accompanied OSHA Region X, Boise Area Office Strategic Partnership renewal worksite visit. The Washington Group is evaluating its work sites for opportunities for OSHA to accompany Washington Group representatives.

      Finally, the Washington Group International would like to work with OSHA though the Agency's other cooperative programs. In 2005, the company submitted a Corporate Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) and Brad Giles, Willie Piispanen, and Aaron Moore participated in the OSHA web cast on VPP corporate programs on December 8, 2005 on behalf of the Washington Group.

    3. Alliance Program Reach

      Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.) Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
      February 22 - 23, 2005
      OSHA 10 Hour Training - General Industry and Construction
      Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

      March 7 - 8, 2005
      OSHA 10 Hour Training - General Industry and Construction
      Idaho Falls, Idaho
       
      89
      March 3 – 4, 2005, ASSE Regional Operating Committee Meeting

      Speaker:

      Willie Piispanen, Washington Group International
      Data not available
      April 11 – 13, 2005, Washington Group International Safety Workshop, Washington Group Corporate Offices, Boise, Idaho

      OSHA Staff from the National Office and Region X, Boise Area Office attended the Workshop
      150
      April, 7, 2005, Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference, Butte, Montana

      Speakers:
      Aaron Moore, Washington Group International
      William Piispanen, Washington Group International
      Data not available
      June 12, 2005, ASSE Professional Development Conference, Safety 2005, Ernest R. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

      "OSHA Construction Update"

      Speakers:
      • Brad Giles, Washington Group International
      • Stewart Burkhammer, OSHA Office of Construction Services
      75
      June 15, 2005, ASSE Professional Development Conference, Safety 2005, Ernest R. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

      "Supporting SH&E Careers in Government Workshop"

      Speakers:
      • Brad Giles, Washington Group International
      • Stewart Burkhammer, OSHA Office of Construction Services
      • Roger Brauer, Board of Certified Safety Professionals (an Alliance participant)
      50
      June 27 – 30, 2005

      OSHA Training Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry
      Idaho Falls, Idaho
      18
      November 29 - December 2, 2005, Safety Fest of the Great Northwest, Boise, Idaho

      Speakers from OSHA included:
      • Richard Terrell, Region X Administrator
      • Bill Bankhead, Region X Boise Area Office's Compliance Assistance Specialist
      Speakers from the Washington Group included:
      • Brad Giles
      • John Isham
      • Willie Piispanen
      • Rick Callor
      • Aaron Moore
      • Jose Melendez
      • Susie Vader
      400
      OSHA Safety and Health Topic pages' Editorial Boards:
      • Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety Rick Callor
      • Trenching and Excavation Rick Callor
      • Workplace Violence Joe Herrity
      • Safety and Health Programs Ken Way
      • Heavy Metals/Toxic Metals Willie Piispanen
      • Scaffolding Ron Cross
      • Crystalline Silica Craig Beck
      Data not available
      OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web page 3,500
      Washington Group International Alliance Web page Data not available
      TOTAL 4,232
  4. Upcoming Milestones

    OSHA and the Washington Group International will continue the Alliance's education and training and outreach and communication efforts in the upcoming year. In addition, the organizations will sign an Alliance renewal agreement for two years. The company will also continue supporting the Idaho Department of Education's Safety Training initiative and it will sponsor and hold the second annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest.

    OSHA staff from Region X will be invited to attend the company's 2006 Safety Workshop in Boise, Idaho. In addition, Washington Group staff remains committed to speaking to local and regional groups about its participation in the Alliance Program and the successful safety and health programs that it has implemented within the company.

    OSHA and the Washington Group will continue working on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program. The company will offer its Safety Qualified Supervisor Training to OSHA's Regions and it will continue its review of upcoming projects to identify an appropriate project for OSHA representatives to take part in during the design phase, including office planning, constructability review, and project start-up. In addition, OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office will continue to identify sites for Washington Group representatives to join its staff as worksite reviews of OSHA's Strategic Partnership's participants are conducted.

    The Washington Group remains committed to working with other Alliance participants to develop compliance assistance information and products for OSHA staff and employers and employees in the construction industry. The company will continue to attend meetings of the Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups that were established as a result of the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable. Through the Design for Safety Workgroup, the company is working with OSHA to develop a case study about its Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility project that successfully incorporated safety during the project's design phase. The case study will be completed and posted on OSHA's Web page in 2006.

Report prepared by: Lisa Ramber, OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Coordinator, December 30, 2005

Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - March 22, 2005


Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - March 22, 2005

ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
OSHA and the Washington Group International Alliance
March 22, 2005

  1. Alliance Background

    Date Signed

    December 12, 2002

    Date Renewed

    December 19, 2003

    Overview

    Through the Alliance, OSHA and the Washington Group International, Inc. are sharing best practices and technical knowledge in the areas of, but not limited to, cranes and rigging, hearing protection and ergonomics within the engineering and construction industry.

    Implementation Team Members

    OSHA:

    Ginger Henry
    Directorate of Construction
    Lisa Ramber
    Office of Outreach Services and Alliances
    Jerry Hockett
    Region X
    Van Howell
    Region X

    Washington Group International:

    Brad Giles
    Willie Piispanen

    Evaluation Period

    December 12, 2003 - December 11, 2004

  2. Implementation Team Meetings

    March 3, 2004
    Implementation Team Meeting
    July 8, 2004
    OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable
    October 21, 2004
    Design for Safety Workgroup meeting
    November 9, 2004
    Implementation Team Meeting

    In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained regular contact throughout this reporting period to monitor the Program's progress and results.

  3. Results

    1. Events and Products

      Training and Education Goals

      • Develop safety and health training and educational information that can be incorporated into existing company programs or develop new courses for employees and contractors.

      Events

      Washington Group International Safety Workshop, Post Training Sessions, Washington Group Corporate Offices, Boise, Idaho, February 11 - 13, 2004

      The Washington Group provided Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) / Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Certification Preparation Class after its Washington Group International Safety Workshop on February 11, 2004 in Boise, Idaho. Attendees included three small contractor employees, an OSHA representative from OSHA's Region X Boise, Idaho Area Office and eight Washington Group employees. The following presentations were given by Washington Group staff:

      • Accident Investigation, Rick Callor
      • Risk Management/Insurance, Aaron Moore
      • Engineering Mathematics, Rebecca Mirsky
      • Basic Chemistry, Willie Piispanen

      The Washington Group also presented "Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene" after its Washington Group International Safety Workshop, February 11 - 13, 2004. Attendees included two OSHA representatives from OSHA's Region X Boise, Idaho Area Office and four Washington Group employees. The Washington Group instructors for the course were Craig Beck, CIH and Tracy Collings, CIH, CSP.

      • Encourage employees and contractors to incorporate a proactive safety and health culture into their day-to-day operations.

      Events

      OSHA 10 Hour Training -- General Industry and Construction, Washington Group International, Boise, Idaho, October 7 - 8, 2004

      Washington Group International worked with the Idaho Department of Education to organize and host a two-day training program for trade school educators in the Boise area. Organizations joining the Washington Group in this effort included OSHA's Region X Boise, Idaho Area Office (Bill Bankhead and Jerry Hockett), Associated General Contractors' (AGC) Idaho Chapter and the American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) Snake River Chapter. The Washington Group instructors for the course were Rick Callor and Aaron Moore. The event was attended by 67 educators.

      Outreach and Communication Goals

      • Participate in the cross training of OSHA personnel, industry safety and health practitioners and engineering and construction contractors in the Washington Group's best practices and/or effective approaches in accident prevention.

      Events

      Washington Group 16-hour Safety Qualified Supervisor Training

      Washington Group International provided its 16-hour Safety Qualified Supervisor Training class, which includes OSHA's 10-hour course for the construction industry, to Washington Group and OSHA staff on several occasions. A total of 150 people in OSHA's Region IV, VIII, and X attended the following training sessions:

      • March 1, 2004, Denver, Colorado
      • April 28 - 29, 2004, Birmingham, Alabama
      • June 2-3, 2004, Seattle, Washington

      Region I's OSHA Construction Roundtable, Boston, Massachusetts, March 9, 2004

      On March 9, 2004, Aaron Moore from the Washington Group presented a program titled "Economics of Safety" to Region I's OSHA Construction Roundtable. Approximately 75 people attended the presentation in Boston, Massachusetts.

      Accident Investigation Techniques Training, Denver, Colorado, March 9, 2005

      On March 9, 2004, the Washington Group presented a program titled "Accident Investigation Techniques Training" to fifteen people, including three OSHA staff members.

      2004 OSHA Compliance Assistance Training Sessions, Falls Church, Virginia, June 16, 2004

      Willie Piispanen, Corporate Industrial Hygienist for Washington Group International, was a workshop speaker on June 16 during the 2004 OSHA Compliance Assistance Training Sessions in Falls Church, Virginia. During the workshop titled, "Industrial Hygiene Intervention for Lead, Arsenic & Crystalline Silica in Construction," Mr. Piispanen discussed methods for dealing with lead, arsenic and crystalline silica in construction and remediation projects.

      • Promote and encourage the Washington Group to participate in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) and Consultation and its Safety and Health Recognition Program. In addition, act as mentors to the Washington Group's contractors that aspire to excellence in construction safety and health.

      Products

      OSHA and Washington Group International Job Shadowing Program

      The Alliance Implementation Team has continued its work on the Job Shadowing Program that OSHA and the Washington Group developed during the Alliance's first year. The first phase of the program, Safety Qualified Supervisor Training, continued during 2004 and the training was offered in OSHA's Region IV, VIII, and X. The company also continued to review its upcoming projects for an appropriate project for OSHA representatives to take part in during the second phase of the program. During this phase, OSHA personnel will work with the Washington Group for one to three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project. To meet the third and final phase of the program, OSHA continued to review its upcoming VPP or Consultation site visits that would be appropriate for Washington Group representatives to take part in with OSHA personnel.

      Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals

      • Seek opportunities to participate in stakeholder groups and other forums for providing input into the development of safety and health standards for the construction industry.

      Events

      OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, Department of Labor, Washington, DC, July 8, 2004

      Representatives from the Washington Group International participated in the Alliance Construction Roundtable for construction-related national Alliances on July 8, 2004 in Washington, DC. The Roundtable participants discussed how the construction-related national Alliances could work together to address issues such as ergonomics, silica and motor vehicle safety. The Washington Group has a representative on the Design for Safety Workgroup that was created during the roundtable meeting.

      • Share information regarding the Washington Group's engineering and construction safety and health best practices, and cost benefit analysis techniques, with others in the industry through outreach by the Washington Group and OSHA.

      Events

      Washington Group International Safety Workshop, Washington Group Corporate Offices, Boise, Idaho, February 9-10, 2004

      On February 9 -10, 2004, the Washington Group International held a Safety Workshop at the company's offices in Boise, Idaho. Workshop speakers included Richard Terrill, OSHA's Region X Regional Administrator, Dave Lauriski, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA); and Dave Stanton, Safety Manager for Middle East Operations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Representatives from OSHA and MSHA also attended the workshop.

      National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE) Meeting, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, September 2004

      Alliance Implementation Team member and NCSE member, Brad Giles (Washington Group International), invited OSHA to speak and attend the NSCE September 2004 meeting in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. OSHA attendees included Steve Cloutier with the Directorate of Construction.

      Products

      OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages

      Washington Group representatives are continuing as members of the following Safety and Health Topic pages' Editorial Boards and providing OSHA with input and comments on the pages' content:

        • Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety - Rick Callor
        • Trenching and Excavation - Rick Callor
        • Workplace Violence - Joe Herrity
        • Safety and Health Programs - Lonnie Baldwin
        • Heavy Metals/Toxic Metals - Willie Piispanen
        • Scaffolding - Ron Cross
        • Crystalline Silica - Craig Beck

      • Promote the Washington Group International's engineering and construction safety and health success stories through the company's and OSHA's websites and publications.

      Products

      OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web Page

      The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web page on OSHA's Web site contains information on the Alliance, Products and Resources, Activities and Events, and Milestones and Successes. The page is updated regularly.

      Washington Group International Alliance Web page

      The Washington Group International has an Alliance Program section on its Web page that highlights the company's commitment to and participation in the Program. In addition, the page links to information on the Washington Group's involvement in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs.

      Publications and Newsletters

      Information and news releases on the signing of OSHA and Washington Group Alliance renewal agreement and the activities of the Alliance have appeared in a number of publications produced by OSHA, including news releases and QuickTakes. In addition, information on the Alliance has been published in a number of safety and health publications and the Washington International's publication; Washington Way. Please see the chart in this report under "Alliance Program Reach" for additional information.

    2. Results

      During the second year of the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, the organizations increased the impact of the agreement through continuing their work to share safety and health information with OSHA's and the Washington Group's staff and also recognizing the need to incorporate safety and health curriculum into vocational technical schools. Activities of the Alliance during 2004 were varied and far-reaching.

      For example, the Washington Group offered its Safety Qualified Supervisor Training, including OSHA's 10 hour course for the construction industry, to OSHA representatives in Regions IV, VIII and X. Washington Group representatives also participated in the classes. Through these courses, OSHA and the Washington Group have shared information on how construction sites operate and OSHA regulatory and enforcement information. The Washington Group has also provided other training for and made a number of presentations to OSHA staff including Accident Investigation Techniques Training, Economics of Safety, OHST/CHST Certification Preparation, and Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene. In addition, OSHA and the Washington Group worked to implement the second and third phases of the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program.

      During 2004, OSHA and the Washington Group also participated in each others' events. The Washington Group presented a workshop during OSHA's Compliance Assistance Training Sessions and OSHA made a presentation during the Washington Group's Safety Workshop. The company also participated in OSHA's Alliance Program Construction Roundtable and agreed to work with the Roundtable's Design for Safety Workgroup.

      In addition, both organizations are working together to reach out to local communities and share safety and health information. Recognizing the importance of incorporating safety training into trade school programs, the Washington Group took the lead on arranging and hosting a two-day training program for trade school educators in the Boise area. The company also invited OSHA's Region X Boise, Idaho Area Office, AGC's Idaho Chapter and ASSE's Snake River Chapter to join them in supporting this event. The Washington Group has also continued to develop programs and projects to support the regional Alliance that it signed with OSHA's Region I Braintree and Methuen Area Offices in Massachusetts on April 16, 2003.

      The Washington Group is continuing to provide its expertise to OSHA through serving on a number of OSHA's Safety and Health Topics pages' editorial boards including Trenching and Excavation, Workplace Violence, and Safety and Health Programs. In addition, the company has continued to promote its participation in the Alliance Program on its Web site and through its magazine; Washington Way. OSHA's and the Washington Group's senior executives have also promoted the Alliance during speeches and presentations to a wide variety of audiences.

    3. Alliance Program Reach

      Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.) Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
      January 1, 2004, "OSHA Renews Alliance with Engineering and Construction Management Firm," OSHA's bi-monthly newsletter; QuickTakes 40,000
      February 9-10, 2004, Washington Group International Safety Workshop, Washington Group Corporate Offices, Boise, Idaho
      Speaker: Richard Terrill, OSHA Region X, Regional Administrator
      250
      February 11 - 13, 2004, Washington Group International Safety Workshop, Post Training Sessions, Washington Group Corporate Offices, Boise, Idaho
      Washington Group

      Speakers:
      • OHST/CHST Certification Preparation Training
        • Accident Investigation, Rick Callor
        • Risk Management/Insurance, Aaron Moore
        • Engineering Mathematics, Rebecca Mirsky
        • Basic Chemistry, Willie Piispanen
      • Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
        • Craig Beck, CIH; Tracy Collings, CIH, CS
      20
      March 1, 2004, Washington Group 16-hour Safety Qualified Supervisor Training, Birmingham, Alabama
      Speaker: Rick Callor
      100
      March 9, 2004, Region I's OSHA Construction Roundtable, Boston, Massachusetts, "Ergonomics of Safety"
      Speaker: Aaron Moore
      75
      Spring 2004, "OSHA Washington Group Renew Safety Alliance," Washington Way Data Not Available
      April 7-8, 2004, Denver Colorado, "Accident Investigation Techniques"
      Speaker: Rick Callor
      15
      April 28 - 29, 2004, Washington Group16-hour Safety Qualified Supervisor Training, Birmingham, Alabama
      Speaker: Rick Callor
      22
      June 2-3, 2004, Washington Group16-hour Safety Qualified Supervisor Training, Seattle, Washington
      Speaker: Rick Callor
      28
      June 16, 2004, 2004 OSHA Compliance Assistance Training Sessions, "Industrial Hygiene Intervention for Lead, Arsenic & Crystalline Silica in Construction Workshop," Falls Church, Virginia
      Speaker: Willie Piispanen
      25
      July 8, 2004, OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, Washington, DC 30
      Summer 2004, "Taking Safety to New Heights," Washington Way Data Not Available
      September 2004, National Construction Safety Executives Meeting, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho 100
      October 7 - 8, 2004, OSHA 10 Hour Training -- General Industry and Construction, Washington Group International, Boise Idaho

      Speakers:

      Rick Callor
      Aaron Moore
      Data Not Available
      OSHA Safety and Health Topic pages' Editorial Boards:

      Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety - Rick Callor
      Trenching and Excavation - Rick Callor
      Workplace Violence - Joe Herrity
      Safety and Health Programs - Lonnie Baldwin
      Heavy Metals/Toxic Metals - Willie Piispanen
      Scaffolding - Ron Cross
      Crystalline Silica - Craig Beck
      Data Not Available
      OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web page 1,000
      Washington Group International Alliance Web page Data Not Available
      TOTAL 41,585
  4. Upcoming Milestones

    OSHA and the Washington Group International will continue the Alliance's education and training and outreach and communication efforts in the upcoming year. The company will again support of the Idaho Department of Education's Safety Training initiative and host a two-day training program for trade school educators in the Boise area. The training will feature OSHA's 10 hour courses for General Industry and Construction. In addition, OSHA's Training Institute will participate in the training initiative and the AGC Idaho chapter and ASSE Snake River Chapter are committed to supporting this event. In addition, ASSE may offer to provide voluntary safety assessments of the vocational schools' facilities as part of the program.

    OSHA staff from Region X and its National Office will also attend the company's Safety Workshop in April 2005 in Boise, Idaho. In addition, Willie Piispanen, a Washington Group member of the Alliance's Implementation Team is on the Conference Planning Committee for the first Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference that will be held April 6-8, 2005 in Butte, Montana. As a member of the committee, he has arranged for a technical session that focuses on OSHA's VPP and implementing safety and health management systems in the workplace. Representatives from OSHA's Region X have also been invited to participate on the panel.

    OSHA and the Washington Group will continue working on the Job Shadowing Program that the Alliance developed during its first year. The initial phase of the program, Safety Qualified Supervisor Training, will continue during 2005 and the Washington Group has indicated that it will present the class in Region VIII. The company will also continue its review of upcoming projects to identify an appropriate project for OSHA representatives to take part in the design phase, including office planning, constructability review, and project start-up experience. In addition, Washington Group and OSHA's Region X are working together to identify sites for the for Washington Group representatives to join OSHA's Partnership Program as it conducts on-site reviews of the program's participants.

    The Washington Group is also committed to working with other Alliance participants to develop compliance assistance information and products for OSHA staff and employers and employees in the construction industry. The company will attend meetings of the Design for Safety Workgroup that was established as a result of the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable. In addition, a Washington Group Implementation Team member, Brad Giles, has agreed to participate in a workshop, “Supporting SH&E Careers in Government,” that will be presented on June 15, 2005 during ASSE's annual conference, Safety 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The panelists will provide government employees in the safety, health and environmental fields with career development information, including the paths and milestones for professional level certification. The presenters will discuss various paths and milestones that are common to achieving professional level credentials and recognition. The speakers also include representatives from OSHA, ASSE and the Board Certified Safety Professionals (both organizations are Alliance Program participants).

    The company is also pursuing developing additional regional Alliances in local communities. For example, the Washington Group has been working to develop an Alliance with OSHA's Region V Milwaukee, Wisconsin Area Office and We Energies (Wisconsin Electric Power Co. and Wisconsin Gas LLC, the principal utility subsidiaries of Wisconsin Energy Corporation) in Wisconsin.

Report prepared by: Lisa Ramber, OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Coordinator, July 20, 2005.

Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - December 22, 2003


Washington Division of URS Corporation - Alliance Annual Report - December 22, 2003

ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
Washington Group International
December 22, 2003

  1. Alliance Background

    Date Signed

    December 12, 2003

    Overview

    OSHA and the Washington Group International, Inc. formed an Alliance to share best practices and technical knowledge in the areas of, but not limited to, cranes and rigging, hearing protection and ergonomics within the engineering and construction industry. The Washington Group, which employees more than 13,000 people, provides engineering, construction, and program-management services to many markets, including: environmental, government, industrial, mining, nuclear-services, and transportation. Goals of the Alliance include:

    Training and education:

    • Develop safety and health training and educational information that can be incorporated into existing company programs or develop new courses for employees and contractors.

    • Encourage employees and contractors to incorporate a proactive safety and health culture into their day-to-day operations.

    Outreach and communication:

    • Participate in the cross training of OSHA personnel, industry safety and health practitioners and engineering and construction contractors in the Washington Group's best practices and/or effective approaches in accident prevention.

    • Encourage the Washington Group to act as mentors to its contractors that aspire to excellence in construction safety and health.

    Promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health:

    • Participate in stakeholder groups and other forums to provide input into the development of safety and health standards for the construction industry.

    • Promote the Washington Group International's construction and engineering safety and health success stories through the company's and OSHA's web sites and publications.

    Implementation Team Members

    Washington Group International:
    Brad Giles
    Willie Piispanen

    OSHA:
    Stew Burkhammer, Directorate of Construction
    Steve Cloutier, Directorate of Construction
    Ginger Henry, Directorate of Construction
    Lisa Ramber, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances (Alliance coordinator)

    Contributors:
    Jerry Hockett, Region X
    Van Howell, Region X

    Evaluation Period:

    December 12, 2002 – December 12, 2003

  2. Implementation Team Meetings

    December 12, 2002
    Kick-off meeting
    February 3, 2003
    Conference call
    February 28, 2003
    Conference call
    March 27, 2003
    Conference call

    In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained regular contact throughout this reporting period to monitor the Program's progress and results.

  3. Events and Products

    Training and Education

    Events:

    • Washington Group Safety Qualified Supervisor Training

      Washington Group requires all of its supervisors to take this class which includes OSHA's 10 hour course for the construction industry. During the training, the Washington Group also discusses the economics of safety and how the company builds its safety culture.

      As part of the Alliance, the Washington Group invited OSHA representatives in the Region X Boise Area Office to take the class when it was offered May 13-14, 2003. The Washington Group also offered the course to the Region VIII Denver Area Office, December 2-3, 2003 and to OSHA's National Office, December 10-11, 2003. In total, 27 OSHA representatives took the training.

      This class has been very well-received by OSHA representatives. It provides an opportunity for the Agency to hear how the Washington Group is meeting OSHA's standards and regulations and how a construction company is committed to protecting the safety and health of its employees.

      Rick Callor, Washington Group International, was the instructor for the course in all three locations and did an excellent job of presenting the material and engaging both the Washington Group and OSHA in open dialogue throughout the classes.

    • 8 Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training

      Washington Group International provided the training for eight OSHA representatives in Region X at the Boise Area Office on August, 13, 2003. Willie Piispanen and Susie Vader from the Washington Group International taught the course.

    • OSHA 500 Module Training

      Washington Group International provided training in Region I, Boston, MA for thirty high school tech teachers in August 2003. Chris Dott, Washington Group International, was the presenter.

    • Associate Safety Professional/Certified Safety Professional Preparatory Class

      This preparation course, offered through the ASSE Snake River Chapter and cosponsored by OSHA's Boise Area Office, was held every Monday night for 13 weeks, January – April 2003. The Washington Group organized the course and provided copies of all of the class materials and made the following technical presentations:

      -Economics of Safety, Aaron Moore
      -Risk Management/Insurance, Aaron Moore
      -Environmental Regulations, Susie Vader
      -Engineering Fundamentals, Rebecca Mirsky
      -Ergonomics, Willie Piispanen

    Outreach and Communication

    Events:

    • Economics of Safety

      The Washington Group's Aaron Moore made a presentation on the value of safety and health at the following conferences and meetings to audiences that included small contractors:

      • King County Washington Safety Summit, Sept. 10, 2003. This is a monthly meeting attended by over 160 area safety representatives of small construction contractors and OSHA Region X and WISHA representatives.
      • Idaho AGC/OSHA partnership conference in Boise, ID had over 90 attendees.
      • Idaho IBEW Apprenticeship Program, spring 2003 in Boise, ID had over 25 attendees.

    • Denver Contractors Forum

      Craig Beck from the Washington Group discussed Sub-Contractor Pre-qualification Requirements and Benefits in August 2003 for 60 attendees at the Denver Contractors Forum in Denver, Colorado.

    • 2nd Annual OSHA Compliance Assistance Conference

      Brad Giles from the Washington Group discussed the company's experiences with the Alliance Program during a workshop session, “Alliances Add Value,” at the 2nd Annual OSHA Compliance Assistance Conference in Vienna, VA, June 11-12. Willie Piispanen and Lon Baldwin also manned the Washington Group's exhibit booth and answered questions from the attendees about the company's safety and health programs.

    • Chicago Construction Safety Council

      In February, 2003: Brad Giles from Washington Group presented information on the OSHA Alliance program to 150 attendees at a meeting of the Chicago Construction Safety Council in Chicago, Illinois. Craig Herndon from the Washington Group also attended the meeting.

    Products:

    • OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages

      Washington Group representatives are members of the following Safety and Health Topic pages' Editorial Boards:

      • Accident Investigation
      • Crane, Derrick, and Hoisting
      • Trenching and Excavation
      • Workplace Violence
      • Safety and Health Management
      • Heavy Metals/Toxic Metals

      Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health

      Events:

      • AGC Steel Erection Training

        The Washington Group was the site sponsor for the AGC Steel Erection training in Boise, September 25-26, 2003. Over 170 participants took part in the training.

  4. Results

    The impact of the OSHA/Washington Group International Alliance has been far reaching. The company's Safety Qualified Supervisor Training, including OSHA's 10 hour course for the construction industry, has been presented to OSHA and Washington Group representatives in Regions VIII and X and to representatives from OSHA's National Office. Through these courses, the Washington Group has heard directly from Agency representatives on how construction sites are inspected and standards are enforced. Conversely, OSHA representatives heard directly from a construction company, with a large variety of projects, how it implements safety and health programs in the workplace and meets the OSHA standards and regulations in real-world situations. Both OSHA and Washington Group representatives have indicated that these discussions are very relevant and effective and both groups have gained valuable information that will be used as day-to-day business is conducted.

    Through the Alliance, OSHA and the Washington Group have established very effective communications. After the initial Implementation Team meetings, where focus and direction of the Alliance were determined, the Washington Group's and OSHA's Alliance coordinators communicated more regularly and informally than the quarterly Implementation Team meetings to keep both organizations up-to-date regarding the Alliance's activities.

    The Washington Group and OSHA's Braintree and Methuen Area Offices in Massachusetts felt that an Area Office Alliance could help focus the organizations' efforts in a local community. On April 16, the Braintree and Methuen Area Offices signed an Alliance with the Washington Group that focuses on cranes, rigging, hearing protection, ergonomics and respiratory protection hazards in the engineering and construction industries.

    Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and
    Electronic Distribution, etc.)
    Number of Individuals
    Reached or Trained
    Joint 16 Hour Safety Qualified Supervisor Training:
    May 13-14, 2003, Boise, ID
    8
    Joint 16 Hour Safety Qualified Supervisor Training:
    December 2-3, 2003, Denver, CO
    11
    Joint 16 Hour Safety Qualified Supervisor Training:
    December 10-11, 2003, Washington, DC
    8
    8 Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training:
    August 13, 2003, Boise, ID
    8
    OSHA 500 Module Training:
    August 2003, Boston, MA
    30
    Associated Safety Professional/Certified Safety Professional Preparation Class, OSHA Boise Area Office, Boise, ID
    (Every Monday night for 13 weeks – January – April 2003.)
    24
    Economics of Safety, King County Washington Safety Summit:
    September 10, 2003, Seattle metro area, Washington
    160
    Economics of Safety, Idaho AGC/OSHA Partnership Conference, Boise, ID 90
    Economics of Safety, Idaho IBEW Apprenticeship Program:
    Spring 2003, Boise, ID
    25
    Denver Contractors Forum:
    August 2003, Denver, CO
    60
    OSHA's 2nd Annual Compliance Assistance Workshop:
    June 10-11, 2003, Vienna, Virginia
    200
    Chicago Construction Safety Council:
    February, 2003, Chicago, Illinois
    150
    AGC Steel Erection training:
    September 25-26, 2003, Boise, ID
    170
    Safety and Health Topics pages:
      -Accident Investigation
    -Crane, Derrick, and Hoisting
    -Trenching and Excavation
    -Workplace Violence
    -Safety and Health Management
    -Heavy Metals/Toxic Metals
    Data Not Available
    TOTAL 935
  5. Upcoming Milestones

    The OSHA and the Washington Group International will continue its education and training and outreach and communication efforts and the company has committed to presenting the Economics of Safety in 2004 at the Denver and Boston Contractors forums and will be a site sponsor for the AGC Fall Protection Training, April 1, 2004 in Boise, ID. In addition, OSHA and the Washington Group will continue working on the Job Shadowing Program that the Alliance developed during the initial implementation of the agreement. The first phase of the program, Safety Qualified Supervisor Training, will continue during 2004. The Washington Group has indicated that it will present the class in the Region X Seattle Area Office and will consider holding the training for additional National Office staff in Washington, DC.

    The second phase of the program will cover office planning, constructability review, and project start-up experience. During this phase OSHA personnel will work with the Washington Group for one to three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project. The company will continue to review its upcoming projects to for an appropriate project for OSHA representatives to take part in this design phase. The final phase of the program is for Washington Group representatives to take part in VPP or Consultation site visits with OSHA personnel.

    Both OSHA and the Washington Group International's management support the renewal of the Alliance agreement. The renewal document is scheduled to be signed by OSHA's Assistant Secretary John Henshaw and the Washington Group's Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Tom Zarges on December 19, 2003 in Washington, DC.

Report prepared by: Lisa Ramber, OSHA/Washington Group International Alliance Coordinator, December 22, 2003