Region 3 News Release:   USDL: III-00-05-30-034-PGH
Tues., May 30, 2000
Contact: Kate Dugan
PHONE: OFFICE: (215) 861-5101

NEW PARTNERSHIP AIMS TO REDUCE INJURIES, ILLNESSES AND DEATHS IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN PITTSBURGH AREA

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has entered into a partnership with the Master Builder's Association of Western Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council to make worksites safer for construction workers in the Pittsburgh area.

The new partnership provides incentives to participating employers who voluntarily improve their safety and health performance; will leverage the resources of the Pittsburgh OSHA office in order to concentrate on contractors who have little regard for safety and health; and promote "drug free" workplaces.

"This is a win-win situation for all involved," said Robert Szymanski, area director of the Pittsburgh OSHA office. "The program is an innovative partnership between the construction industry, labor and government to achieve a common goal - a safe and healthy workplace."

Incentives to participate in the partnership include special recognition from OSHA's Pittsburgh office, removal from the programmed inspection list for 12 months following successful completion of a verification inspection, limited scope inspections and reduced penalties and recognition from the organizations forming the partnership.

The program will run for two years but may be extended after an evaluation of its performance. Additional information may be obtained from the Pittsburgh OSHA office (412) 395-4903.

TDD # 1-800-927-9273.