OSHA Pens Deal with SMACNA Kansas City Chapter

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Kansas City Chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association have signed a partnership agreement to address work hazards within two industries the U.S. Department of Labor announced.

“This partnership will address workplace hazards in construction worksites and in sheet metal shops to provide a safe work environment for all employees in both industries and to recognize jobsites that have established effective safety and health programs,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Charles Adkins.

The partnership goal is to prevent fatal accidents and achieve a Days Away Case Rate (DACR) below the national average as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of 4.0 for construction, 2.6 for sheet metal work, and 3.4 for architectural metal work.

Electrocution, employees struck by or pinned between construction machinery, and falls are reportedly the major causes of construction industry fatalities and lost work time. In the sheet metal shops, primary hazards include amputations, cuts and lacerations and hazards caused by improper machine guarding.

The partnership will implement an aggressive fall protection program, require frequent jobsite inspections, and ensure that employees receive adequate safety and health training at both construction jobsites and in sheet metal shops. An evaluation of the partnership will be conducted annually.