Construction workers on Aurora Public Library project form strategic partnership with US Department of Labor's OSHA

AURORA, Ill. — R.C. Wegman Construction Co. and the Fox Valley Building and Construction Trades established a strategic partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration to protect workers during the construction project for the New Main Aurora Public Library. The Illinois On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is also a partner in the project.

"Through these relationships, we aim to control or eliminate serious workplace construction hazards and build a foundation for an effective safety and health program," said Jacob Scott, OSHA's area director in North Aurora. "The partnership plans to meet these goals through increased training, implementation of best work practices, site-specific written safety and health programs, including a heat stress program, and compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations."

The New Main Aurora Public Library will consist of a 93,000-square-foot building to be constructed at the southwest corner of River and Benton Streets in Aurora. R.C. Wegman Construction Co. will be the construction manager for the project, with completion expected in late spring 2015.

Safety goals will focus on reducing on-the-job injuries by establishing protective measures for common hazards found at construction sites, such as falls, struck-by, trenching and electrical hazards. As part of the agreement, R.C. Wegman will hold monthly meetings with partners and subcontractors, provide a site-specific job hazard analysis and perform safety audits.

Through its Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA develops alliances with employers, workers, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other interested stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/partnerships/index.html or contact the agency's North Aurora Area Office at 630-896-8700.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.