April 19, 2012
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA, NIOSH, Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Partners
renew Alliance to protect workers in roadway construction work zones

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today renewed an Alliance with the Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Partners to protect workers while working in roadway construction work zones. The Alliance will focus on preventing worker injuries and deaths from construction vehicle runovers and backovers, and focuses on increased outreach to non-English-speaking or limited-English-speaking workers.

"Most fatalities that occur in road construction work zones involve a worker being struck by a piece of construction equipment or other vehicle," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels. "This renewed Alliance with the Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Partners will help reach workers and employers with critical education and information to reduce preventable injuries and deaths."

During the two-year agreement, the Alliance will develop fact sheets for paramedics, police officers, truck drivers, and other work zone visitors on the proper personal protective equipment and high-visibility apparel to wear, and how to enter/exit a work zone during the day and at night. Additional fact sheets will be developed for less knowledgeable contractors detailing which traffic control requirements apply, particularly focusing on short-term/temporary work zones.

The Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Partners comprise a group of construction industry associations committed to protecting the health, safety and rights of workers, and understanding the responsibilities of employers. The Partners represent more than 1.2 million members and workers nationwide.

OSHA's Highway Work Zones and Signs, Signals, and Barricades Safety and Health Topics page includes information on roadway work zone hazards and how to protect workers from these hazards.

Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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