OSHA Establishes Alliance with CEA Contractors and Unions in Cleveland Safety Forum
CLEVELAND – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has entered into an alliance with the Cleveland Safety Forum to provide union contractors and union training coordinators with information, guidance and training resources to protect the health and safety of construction workers.
This alliance reflects recognition of the importance of keeping construction workers safe and healthy," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "We want to ensure that all workers understand the hazards involved in construction and how best to protect themselves. Alliances such as this one help to develop effective safety and health programs, while also opening the lines of communication among OSHA, employers and workers."
The Cleveland Safety Forum, established in 2011, includes union contractors and union training coordinators who monitor the safety and health needs of their members, identify best practices in the construction industry and promote the availability of training opportunities.
The voluntary alliance will address occupational topics including crane regulations, silica exposure hazards and education, training on the recognition and control of other hazards specific to the construction industry, and the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Additionally, fall protection – a leading cause of death and injury to workers in the construction industry – will be emphasized.
Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.