New OSHA Alliance Aims for Safety, Health in Conn. Construction Industry

Enhancing safe and healthful working conditions for workers in Connecticut’s construction industry is the goal of a newly signed alliance between the Hartford and Bridgeport area offices of the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut (CT ABC).

OSHA health and safety alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao’s ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of workers through cooperative partnerships with employers, trade associations and labor. CT ABC, a chapter of the national Associated Builders and Contractors, is a trade association comprised of 200 construction contractors and builders throughout Connecticut.

Under the alliance, OSHA and CT ABC will work together to develop and deliver training and education programs for Connecticut ABC members. The training will focus on reducing employees’ exposure to construction hazards, including falls, electrical, trenching/excavation and bloodborne pathogen hazards as well as other topics identified through participant surveys.

The parties will also share information regarding CT ABC best practices and publicize that information through outreach activities. Participation by state ABC members in OSHA’s cooperative programs, including compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the state consultation service and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) will also be encouraged.

“This alliance will equip CT ABC members and their employees with an extra resource for their toolboxes, knowledge that will help them identify and prevent workplace hazards,” said Robert Kowalski, OSHA’s Bridgeport area director.

“Addressing hazards before they hurt workers will reduce injuries and illnesses and add value to the workplace,” said Thomas Guilmartin, OSHA’s Hartford area director.

Signing the alliance were Guilmartin, Kowalski and CT ABC President Lelah Campo.

OSHA has created more than 350 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.