As of Tuesday, August 25, OSHA has officially partnered up with Associated General Contractors of America's Shreveport, La., chapter. Together their goal is to ensure the highest level of employee safety and health, which will lead to their top priority- a reduction in work related injuries and fatalities.
OSHA states that the agreement will serve as a model to construction companies by demonstrating how to implement an effective safety and health program while developing criteria for contractor safety and health programs.
"The construction business is one of the most hazardous places to work today," said Chuck Penn, executive director of the AGC's Shreveport chapter. "There are lots of heavy objects overhead. ... People can get electrocuted ... drown ... fall. ... There are a myriad of opportunities for injury." He cited three primary reasons the agreement is important. First, it shows they care for workers' safety. Second, insurance rates largely are based on a contractor's safety record. And, third, OSHA has the ability to inspect job sites and administer heavy fines if violations are found.
Dorinda Folse, area director for OSHA, says, "Participants in the accord want to be proactive and prevent issues from arising. This really is a win-win. It's nice to run across an association who really has a feeling of safety the same way OSHA does. You want your employees going home whole every day. That's what we're striving for with this partnership."
What do you think? Is this a good partnership?
Sources:
http://www.osha.gov
Clark, Bobbie J. "Contractors, OSHA reach safety accord." Shreveporttimes.com. 26 Aug. 2009. Web. 27 Aug. 2009.
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