Holder Construction Group and OSHA partner to protect construction workers on Oasis Data Center Project in Omaha, Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. — Holder Construction Group LLC and the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration have established a strategic partnership to protect and educate workers on construction hazards during the building of the Oasis Data Center Project in Omaha.

The partnership will focus on training employers and workers about hazards construction workers face daily on the job, including fall, electrical, caught-in and struck-by hazards. These hazards are the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry.

"Our focus is to forge a working relationship to prevent serious workplace construction hazards and establish a foundation for the development of an effective safety and health program at the site," said Bonita Winingham, OSHA's area director in Omaha.

The partnership aims to meet goals through increased training, implementation of best work practices, creation of site-specific written safety and health programs and compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations.

The Oasis project consists of a 183,000-square-foot data center, which will include a chiller plant, administrative areas and supporting mechanical, electrical and plumbing rooms. Holder Construction Group will be the construction manager for the project, expected for completion by September 2015. The project may employ about 180 tradesmen on-site during peak construction.

As part of the agreement, all contractors and subcontractors on the project will be required to have specific written safety and health programs in place and attend meetings before major work takes place.

Through its Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA works with employers, employees, 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.

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.