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Occupational Safety & Health Administration |
OSHA News Release
2004 - 08/20/2004 - OSHA Announces Worker Safety and Health Partnership in Construction of Bloomington, Ill. Community Center |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
Region 5 News Release 04-1662-CHI Date: Aug. 20, 2004 Contact: Brad Mitchell Phone: (312) 353-6976 OSHA Announces Worker Safety and Health Partnership in
Construction of Bloomington, Ill. Community Center Signing Scheduled for Monday in Bloomington PEORIA, Ill. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), through its Peoria, Ill. Area Office, has entered into a partnership with Johnston Contractors, Inc., and the Illinois Department of Commercial and Economic Opportunity designed to protect workers during construction of a 160,000 square feet multi-use community center in Bloomington, Ill. The agreement is scheduled for signing at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 23 at the offices of Johnston Contractors, Inc.; 9 Heartland Drive, Unit C; Bloomington, Ill. "Construction remains a dangerous occupation," according to OSHA Area Director Peggy Zweber, Peoria. "What better place to showcase how cooperation between government and employers can lessen the risk to working men and women than in the construction of a recreational facility for the community?" Under the terms of the partnership, contractors must meet stringent safety guidelines that include: maintaining a site-specific safety and health program that ensures employee involvement; providing all new employees a comprehensive safety orientation, and providing training for employees on hazards and regulations applicable to their work, prior to commencing work as well as weekly tool box talks. Additionally, referrals to the state Health Consultation Service will be made when the potential for health issues such as carbon monoxide, silica, or large-scale use of chemicals in the building interior arise. In return for meeting these criteria, OSHA will not target the job site for planned or programmed inspections. One unannounced inspection of the work site will be conducted by OSHA during the course of the construction project, which is expected to last for over a year. OSHA will still conduct inspections in response to reports of imminent danger, a fatality or catastrophic accident. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202)693-7755. |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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