US Department of Labor, Georgia road contractors to promote workplace safety during I-285, I-20 East interchange project

Participants:

U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute for Safety, Health and Environmental Services

Archer Western E.R. Snell

What: OSHA has signed a strategic partnership with two Georgia firms engaged in a joint-venture, Archer Western – an Atlanta construction company – and E.R. Snell – a Snellville construction company – to promote worker safety and health during reconstruction of the I-285 and I-20 East highway interchange.

Background: The partnership seeks to prevent worker injuries and reduce exposure to hazards using a public-private approach. The initiative will assist contractors in creating and using safety and health management systems, and training to ensure workers, employers and supervisors know how to remain safe and healthy.

The expansive project includes reconstruction of the interchanges on Atlanta’s east side, widening of I-20 West, improved alignments of ramps connecting I-285 and I-20, construction of westbound I-20’s access road and an additional lane for the eastbound I-20 access road, and installation of noise barriers. Bridges on I-20 over Miller, Fairington and Snapfinger roads and Snapfinger Creek will also be replaced or widened.

OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program works with employers, employees, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health.

Quote: “This public-private partnership will help workers, employers and others on the I-285 and I-20 East interchange reconstruction project to recognize and avoid the types of hazards people face while working on major construction projects,” explained OSHA Atlanta-East Area Office Director Joshua Turner in Atlanta. “At the same time, we ask drivers to heed all warning signs and speed limits to prevent the dangers moving vehicles create in active construction zones.”