The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has
renewed its alliance with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Roadway
Work Zone Safety and Health Partners in an effort to keep workers in roadway construction
work zones safe from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. This is a five year alliance which focuses
on a culture of safety in the roadway construction industry, especially among non- and limited-
English speaking workers. The three member organizations will collaborate on ways to reduce
workplace incidents, specifically targeting ways to prevent worker exposure to run-over and
back-over hazards, excessive noise, sprains and strains, and illnesses related to silica exposure.
“Employees who work in highway construction work zones face serious dangers, not only from
construction equipment but from motorists as well,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “I am confident that the information and
resources generated from this renewed alliance will prove beneficial in reducing worker injuries
and fatalities.”
This alliance has been in place since 2007, and provides documents and training courses to
prevent falls and other construction safety hazards. Additionally, the Roadway Work Zone
Safety and Health Partners have distributed information on OSHA’s campaigns to prevent falls
in construction and reduce the risk of heat illness.
If you own a business which is involved in roadway work zones, it is important that you review
the material which comes out of this alliance. It can both protect the lives of your employees and
protect your company from OSHA inspections. And if you have any questions about the
occupational safety and health policies and procedures which you currently have in place, it is
important to consult a third party occupational safety and health auditing firm to assist in the
review process.
If you have any questions about how this alliance impacts your business or about your current
occupational safety and health policies and procedures, please contact us. If you have anything to
add about this partnership, please leave a comment.
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