Region 5 News Release: 12-793-CHI
April 30, 2012
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA, The Samuels Group establish partnership
to protect workers on Sacred Heart Hospital project in Eau Claire, Wis.
Wisconsin Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program also to participate

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Wisconsin Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program have established a strategic partnership with The Samuels Group Inc. to reduce workers' exposure to hazards and the likelihood of serious injuries at the Sacred Heart Hospital Curtain Wall Replacement Project in Eau Claire.

"This voluntary strategic partnership is focused on identifying and controlling hazards, improving safety and health programs, promoting a cooperative relationship between labor and management, and encouraging employee participation in achieving a safe and healthful workplace," said Mark Hysell, OSHA's area director in Eau Claire.

Approximately 50 tradespersons will be replacing a nine-story curtain wall system for the hospital. The $20 million project, scheduled to be completed in 2014, consists of demolishing and then replacing the exterior veneer curtain wall structures, glass and metal panels, and glazing.

The Samuels Group, a commercial construction contractor headquartered in Wausau, will implement a site-specific safety and health program that will include a weekly safety "stand down," a daily stretch and flex program, and hazard-specific training.

Wisconsin's consultation program is funded by federal OSHA but operated by the state of Wisconsin.

Through its Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA works with employers, workers, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other interested stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/partnerships/index.html.

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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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.