U.S. Department of Labor and Montana Contractor Compensation Fund Sign Alliance to Promote Workplace Safety

BILLINGS, MT – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Montana Contractor Compensation Fund (MCCF) have signed an alliance to protect employees from construction industry hazards. MCCF is a group insurance company formed by the Montana Contractors Association to help control workers' compensation costs.

The two-year alliance will focus on reducing and preventing exposure to falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, electrocutions, amputations, cuts, lacerations or punctures, machine-guarding, and lockout/tagout hazards. In addition, participants will use injury, illness, and hazard exposure data to identify areas for greater awareness, outreach, and communication to workers and employers.

"This alliance allows MCCF and OSHA to provide resources and emphasize the importance of safety and health training throughout Montana," said Art Hazen, OSHA Billings Area Office Director. "We all look forward to a productive, cooperative effort."  

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith and community-based organizations, and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

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 www.osha.gov.