US Department of Labor's OSHA and Project BEST establish alliance to educate and protect Ohio construction workers

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established an alliance with Project BEST (Building Efficiency by Striving Together) to help protect construction workers from four hazards: falls, struck-by, caught-in and electrical. Project BEST is a construction industry-labor management organization comprised of the Upper Ohio Valley Building Construction Trades Council and the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council.

"This alliance reflects the need to focus on the four major areas of injury in the construction industry and to promote awareness of safe work practices. Education saves lives," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director in Columbus. "Through this alliance OSHA will work to develop effective training programs, while opening the lines of communication between OSHA, employers and workers about the serious hazards construction workers face daily on the job."

As part of the voluntary alliance, both Project BEST and OSHA will work together to develop resources to help employers protect workers in the construction industry. As a part of the alliance, all parties can participate in forums, round tables and stakeholder meetings on the four main hazards. They will also work together to create and present effective training programs. The alliance focuses on promoting a cooperative relationship between labor and management and encourages worker participation to achieve a safe and healthful workplace.

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, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

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.