US Department of Labor, McCarthy Building Companies partner to target workplace hazards at St. Louis’ BJC Campus renewal project

Who:               U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration

                        McCarthy Building Companies Inc.

What:              Strategic partnership

Background: OSHA Area Office Director William McDonald in St. Louis signed a strategic partnership agreement with McCarthy Building Companies Inc. to provide a safe work site during phase 3 construction of the BJC Healthcare Campus Renewal Project in downtown St. Louis. The partnership includes the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, Missouri & Kansas Laborers’ District Council, and Building and Construction Trades Council.

The project is a long-term initiative to transform Washington University Medical Center through new construction and renovations. The campus includes Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Washington University School of Medicine.

Phase 3 of the project includes the construction of a 16-story replacement tower on the site of the recently demolished Queeny Tower. The new building will house acute and ICU patient care areas along with diagnostics, imaging, and surgical support spaces. Adjacent to the new tower will be an improved campus entrance with a pedestrian bridge.

The partnership addresses common construction industry hazards and develops training and education programs on issues such as trenching, falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, ergonomics, and safe electrical work practices. The project will employ hundreds of St. Louis area trades workers and apprentices, and includes daily and weekly safety audits and training.

Members will also continue to share information on OSHA campaigns to encourage workplace safety and will facilitate an understanding of workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Learn more about OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program.

Quote: “This partnership will promote a comprehensive and collaborative effort that exceeds minimum best practices in the construction industry,” explained OSHA Area Director William McDonald in St. Louis, Missouri. “Strategic partnerships provide opportunities to work with employers and workers to eliminate serious hazards and ensure workplaces are safe for everyone involved.”