Region 8 News Release:   OSHA2-14
Monday, March 25, 2002
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302

DENVER -- Finding new and innovative ways of reducing the number of injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the Colorado construction industry is the focus of a one-day safety and health training conference and exhibition Wednesday, April 3 in Denver.

Co-sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in partnership with the Colorado construction industry, unions, consultation and training organizations, the "SafetyFest of the West" will be held at the Denver Merchandise Mart, (I-25 & 58th Avenue) from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Training sessions will be offered in both English and Spanish.

Denver Cong. Diana DeGette will deliver the conference's keynote address at 8:30 a.m. and KUSA-TV weatherman Mike Nelson will serve as the luncheon speaker at 12 noon.

SafetyFest course offerings include sessions on: Fall Protection, Traffic Work Zones, Utility Construction, Electrical Hazards, Trench and Excavations and Scaffolding.

Training sessions will address safety and health hazards in the four major areas of construction including commercial, residential, heavy highway and utility. Participants will be able to experience hands-on demonstrations, classroom-style training, vendor exhibits and interact with other construction professionals.

Registration for the event is $30 and includes access to both morning and afternoon sessions, the exhibit hall, a continental breakfast and a box lunch. Register online at www.tradeshowswest.com/rmicpe/rmicpe or call 1-800-794-3706.

Along with OSHA, conference co-sponsors include: Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of Colorado, Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council, Colorado Contractors Association, Inc., Colorado OSHA Consultation Program At CSU, HBA of Metro Denver, and the Rocky Mountain Education Center OSHA Training Institute.

In 1999, the construction industry accounted for 13 percent of all lost workday injuries in Colorado, while employing only 7 percent of the state's workforce. In addition to the injuries, 18 fatalities were associated with construction, the most in any industry in the state.