Building futures: US Department of Labor promotes safety to newest generation of construction workers in Southeast’s largest student career event

ATLANTA – Experts from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration will welcome thousands of students – from Georgia’s middle, high and tech schools – to the 2024 Construction Ready Career Expo in Atlanta. The event highlights the importance of on-the-job safety to the industry’s next generation of workers.

Held at the Georgia World Congress Center from Feb. 22-23, the event will focus on careers in construction and related fields with specialties such as safety, highway construction, electrical contracting, energy, drywall, tile, roofing and more. Exhibits will feature machinery and tools, and participants will be on hand to answer questions about career options and skills needed in various industry fields.

“Connecting with the thousands of students who walk through the doors and sharing the value of job safety is exactly what our OSHA team is passionate about,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer in Atlanta. “We participated in 2023 and we’re thrilled to join this event again. It is a great way for students to explore careers in skilled trades. The career expo also gives OSHA an excellent opportunity to partner with industry leaders and educators of these prospective construction workers.” 

OSHA’s youth safety campaign is part of the agency’s Young Worker Initiative, which provides information and resources to teenagers, parents, educators and employers to ensure safe and rewarding work experiences for summer employees. For more information on workplace safety for teens, visit OSHA’s website, Young Workers – You have rights!

Construction Ready will also welcome teachers, school administrators, parents, industry experts and volunteers. The expo acts as a simulated construction site where all attendees must wear a hard hat, safety glasses, long pants and closed-toe shoes. The expo expects to attract more than 9,000 attendees. Safety will be supervised by industry professionals.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. Learn more about OSHA.