US Department of Labor, Choate Construction to promote workplace safety, health at Savannah historic district project

SAVANNAH, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has signed a strategic partnership with Choate Construction to promote worker safety and health during the construction of a mixed-use development in the historic district of Savannah. The Associated General Contractors of Georgia Inc. and the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute – Safety, Health and Environmental Services Group are also supporting this partnership effort.

The partnership seeks to prevent worker injuries and exposure to hazards during the construction project by developing a contractor-government approach to safety and health. The initiative will also assist contractors in developing and implementing quality safety and health programs, and providing safety and health training to employees, employers and supervisors.

Participants will focus on the identification and prevention of hazards related to falls, struck-by or caught-in materials or equipment, electrical equipment and safe work practices, heat illness, fire protection, safe use of hand and power tools, and silica and noise exposure.

“Public-private sector partnerships focused on worker safety and health training and the elimination of hazards during major construction projects are proven methods to enhance worker safety,” said OSHA Area Office Director Robert Stocksdale in Savannah, Georgia. “While each partnership is unique, they all demonstrate a commitment to ensuring each worker gets home safely, every day.”

The project’s scope of work includes a six-story, multi-use building with 232 residential apartment units, and retail and amenities space. The 245,800 square-foot facility will be in Savannah’s historic district.

OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program 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.

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 workers by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. Learn more about OSHA.