US Department of Labor's OSHA renews alliance to educate and protect Cleveland construction workers on job hazards, such as falls, silica exposure

CLEVELAND — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has renewed a two-year alliance with the Cleveland Safety Forum to help protect construction workers from job hazards, such as falls and silica exposure.

"The renewal of this alliance reflects the importance of construction worker safety and health," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "This alliance will continue to help develop effective training programs on subjects, such as fall hazards, safe crane operations and silica exposure, while opening the lines of communication between OSHA, employers and workers."

As part of the voluntary alliance, both the Cleveland Safety Forum and OSHA will continue working together to develop resources to help employers protect workers in the construction industry. They will work to create and present effective training programs on various topics, such as job hazard analysis, hazard recognition, falls, silica exposure and crane operations.

In addition, the alliance is focused on promoting a cooperative relationship between labor and management and encouraging worker participation in achieving a safe and healthful workplace. As a part of the alliance, all parties can participate in forums, such as the OSHA Outreach Trainers and Construction Safety Council of Northeast Ohio meetings, round tables and other stakeholder meetings to share information on best practices and training implementation.

The alliance, which was first signed in June 2012, aims to meet these goals through increased training, implementation of best work practices and compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections. For more information, contact the agency's Cleveland Area Office at 216-447-4194.

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.