ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT
OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance
February 8, 2007

1. Alliance Background

   Date Signed

   December 12, 2002

   Dates Renewed

   December 19, 2003
   February 1, 2006

   Overview

   Through the Alliance, OSHA and the Washington Group International, Inc. are sharing best practices and technical knowledge in the areas of, but not limited to, cranes and rigging, hearing protection and ergonomics within the engineering and construction industry.

   Implementation Team Members

   OSHA:

   Stew Burkhammer

   Office of Construction Services

   Jerry Hockett

   Region X

   Van Howell

   Region X

   Lisa Ramber

   Office of Outreach Services and Alliances

   Washington Group International:

   Rick Callor
   Brad Giles
   Willie Piispanen

   Evaluation Period

   December 12, 2005 - December 11, 2006

2. Implementation Team Meetings

   January 31, 2006

   Construction Roundtable, Fall Protection Workgroup Meeting

   April 18, 2006

   Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting

   May 16, 2006

   Construction Roundtable, Fall Protection Workgroup Meeting

   May 17, 2006

   Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting

   June 30, 2006

   Implementation Team Meeting

   October 24, 2006

   Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting

   In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both groups maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Program's progress and results.

3. Results

   1. Events and Products

      Training and Education Goal

      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs on specific construction industry safety and health issues and provide expertise in communicating such information to employers and employees in the industry.

      Products

      OSHA 10 Hour Training for Idaho Educators

      A 10 Hour OSHA Vocational Education Training Program was developed jointly by the OSHA Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, Idaho Department of Education and Rick Callor, Washington Group International. The training program was completed in September 2006. The training specifically addresses tools, equipment and machinery that are used in vocational education classes as based on-site audits that were conducted in 2006.

      Events

      ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals Class

      The Washington Group International offers this training free of charge to a wide variety of individuals and organizations. Through the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, OSHA's Boise Area Office worked with the company to offer this training to OSHA staff. Willie Piispanen, Washington Group International, Van Howell, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA and Dr. Dale Stephenson, Boise State University, organized "ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals;" a two hour class presented every Monday night beginning October 2006. The classes covered the fundamental concepts of the ASP/CSP exam but were also open to anyone interested in receiving a fundamental training in safety concepts. The classes were held at the Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office and the Washington Group International printed the class' lecture notes and supplied four instructors. Twenty-two people registered for the class.

      Outreach and Communication Goals

      • Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and the Washington Group International's Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.

      Products

      OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages

      Washington Group International representatives are continuing to provide their expertise as members of the following Safety and Health Topic pages' Editorial Boards and are providing OSHA with input and comments on the pages' content:

      • Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety, Rick Callor
      • Fall Protection, Rick Callor
      • Safety and Health Programs, Ken Way
      • Scaffolding, Ron Cross
      • Silica, Crystaline, Craig Beck
      • Toxic Metals, Willie Piispanen
      • Trenching and Excavation, Rick Callor

      • Workplace Violence, Joe Herrity

      OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web Page

      The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web page on OSHA's Web site contains information on the Alliance, including Products and Resources, Activities and Events, and Milestones and Successes. The page is updated regularly.

      Washington Group International Alliance Web Page

      The Washington Group International has an Alliance Program section on its Web site that highlights the company's commitment to and participation in the Program. In addition, the page links to information on the company's involvement in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs.

      Publications

      Information on the activities of the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, including the signing of the Alliance renewal agreement, has appeared in publications such as BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter and OSHA's Alliance Quarterly Review.

      • Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding Washington Group International's best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by Washington Group International and through OSHA- or Washington Group International-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).

      Events

      ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety, 2006, Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle, Washington, June 11 - 14, 2006

      On, June 12, 2006, Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA, and Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group International, participated in a panel roundtable; "OSHA Construction Update." During the roundtable discussions, OSHA's Alliance Program initiatives and cooperative programs were discussed. In addition, Stewart Burkhammer and Brad Giles participated in a panel presentation; "Designing for Construction Worker Safety" on June 14, 2006. During the presentation they presented the "Designing for Construction Safety" slide presentation developed through the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Design for Safety Workgroup.

      Washington Group International Safety Workshop, DoubleTree Hotel, Boise, Idaho, July 24 - 28, 2006

      On July 24 - 28, 2006, the Washington Group International held its "Safety and Health Professional Development Forum" also know as the Safety Workshop in Boise, Idaho. On July 24, 2007, Paula White, Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Cooperative Program Update" and discussed the Agency's Voluntary Protection Programs and its Corporate Pilot Program, as well as the Strategic Partnership and the Alliance Programs. On July 25, 2006, Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Construction Update" and highlighted the Alliances that are impacting the construction industry.

      2006 Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference, Boise, Idaho, October 4 - 6, 2006

      The Washington Group International's Michelle Steeler and Willie Piispanen were members of the Planning Committee for the 2006 Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference that was held October 4 - 6, 2006 in Boise, ID. During the event, Van Howell, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA was the Technical Session chair. The Washington Group International was the sponsor for the conference's OSHA technical track and also had an information booth during the event. More than 175 safety and health professionals participated in the three-day conference.

      Safety Fest of the Great Northwest, Boise, Idaho, December 11 - 15, 2006

      The Washington Group International, Associated General Contractors, the Idaho Department of Technical Education, American Society of Safety Engineers and OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office co-sponsored the second annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest December 11 - 15, 2006 at the Washington Group International Corporate Headquarters in Boise, Idaho. Approximately 92 private companies and 18 government and non-profit groups sent employees to the event who attended numerous construction-related training classes free-of-charge. In addition, 24 construction-related companies exhibited their products and services in a vendor area. More than 520 employers and employees participated in the five day event; the majority of which were from Idaho but also included attendees from 9 other states and Puerto Rico. During the event, 39 training classes were offered; of which four classes were presented in Spanish.

      On December 11, 2006, Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., USDOL-OSHA presented the Safety Fest's opening address. In addition, Richard Terrill, Regional Administrator, Region X, participated in the event on December 12, 2006.

      Products

      OSHA and Washington Group International Job Shadowing Program

      The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Implementation Team continued its work on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program. The Washington Group International is reviewing its upcoming projects for an appropriate opportunity for OSHA representatives to work with the company for one to three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project. Projects that are under consideration include the "Build Idaho" program through which all of Idaho's interstates will be redeveloped.

      • Promote and encourage the Washington Group International to participate in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

      OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

      During the reporting year, the Washington Group International's Boise Corporate office, Monsanto project, the Anniston DeMil and the Umatilla DeMil sites were recognized as OSHA VPP Star sites. In addition, the Washington Group International became the sixth participant in the VPP Corporate Pilot Program. A number of Washington Group International employees are also completing the required training to become Special Government Employee (SGEs) and will be approved to assist as VPP onsite evaluation team members. In addition, the company's Rocky Mountain Arsenal project hosted a SGE training session in September 2006.

      Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals

      • Develop and disseminate case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health and publicize their results.

      Washington Group International Designs and Builds a Mixed-Waste Treatment Facility, Washington Group International Case Study

      Though the Washington Group International's participation on the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Design for Safety Workgroup, the company has been working with OSHA to develop a case study describing how it incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho.

      • Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on engineering and construction industry issues to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.

      Events

      OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups

      On July 8, 2004, representatives from the Washington Group International participated in the Alliance Program's Construction Roundtable for construction-related national Alliances. The Washington Group International has representatives on the Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups that were created during the roundtable meeting.

      Design for Safety Workgroup – The Washington Group International is participating on the Design for Safety Workgroup and helped develop a 2-4 Hour Design for Safety Training Course. The course is based on the Design for Construction Safety slide presentation and provides technical information for those that are interested learning more about designing for safety. In addition, the company has been working with OSHA and the Workgroup to develop a case study describing how it incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho. A Washington Group International representative attended the Workgroup meetings on April 18, 2006, May 17, 2006 and October 24, 2006.

      In addition, the Washington Group International is using information developed through the Workgroup to implement a company training program; Safer Design in Construction. Rick Callor presented the first training classes at the Washington Group International Denver Engineering office in June 2006. Classes were also presented in Washington Group International offices in Princeton, NJ; Boise, ID; Denver, CO; Bucharest, Romania; Birmingham, AL; and Cleveland, OH. Approximately 500 engineers, estimators, and procurement personnel were trained in 2006.

      Fall Protection Workgroup – The Washington Group International is participating on the Fall Protection Workgroup and helped develop the "Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry" training program. The program is designed for construction industry audiences, including small business owners, trainers, foreman and workers. In addition, the Workgroup is developing toolbox talks for ladders that address issues such as "Do's and Don'ts of Using a Ladder", "Choosing the Right Ladder" and "Set-Up and Use of a Ladder." A Washington Group International representative attended the Workgroup meetings on January 31, 2006 and May 16, 2006.

   2. Executive Summary

      Through the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, the organizations are continuing to focus on developing training programs and sharing safety and health information and resources. In addition, the successful collaborative relationship that the Washington Group International has established with OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office continued throughout the reporting period. As a result, both organizations agreed to renew the Alliance for two years and an agreement was signed on February 16, 2006.

      During the past year, OSHA and the Washington Group International worked with the Region X, Boise, Idaho Area office to develop a 10 Hour OSHA Vocational Education Training Program that addresses tools, equipment and machinery that are used in vocational education classes. In addition, representatives from the Washington Group International and Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office worked together to teach an ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals class.

      In addition, OSHA and Washington Group International representatives continued to reach out to numerous groups to make presentations on safety and health issues and programs. For example, on June 12, 2006 during the ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety 2006 in Seattle, Washington, Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, USDOL-OSHA, and Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group International, participated in a panel roundtable; "OSHA Construction Update." In addition, Stewart Burkhammer and Brad Giles participated in a panel presentation; "Designing for Construction Worker Safety" on June 14, 2006.

      On July 24, 2006, during the Washington Group International's "Safety and Health Professional Development Forum" also know as the Safety Workshop in Boise, Idaho, Paula White, Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Cooperative Program Update" and discussed the Agency's Voluntary Protection Programs and its Corporate Pilot Program, as well as the Strategic Partnership and the Alliance Programs. On July 25, 2006, Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Construction Update" and highlighted the Alliances that are impacting the construction industry.

      The second annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest was held December 11-15, 2006 in Boise, ID. It was co-sponsored by the Washington Group International, Associated General Contractors, the Idaho Department of Technical Education, American Society of Safety Engineers and OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office. During the event, employees from approximately 92 private companies and 18 government and non-profit groups attended numerous construction-related training classes free-of-charge. In addition, 24 construction-related companies exhibited their products and services in a vendor area. Also, on December 11, 2006, Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., USDOL-OSHA presented the Safety Fest's opening address and Richard Terrill, Region X, Regional Administrator, participated in the event on December 12, 2006.

      The Washington Group International continues to provide its expertise to OSHA through serving on a number of OSHA's Safety and Health Topics pages' editorial boards including Trenching and Excavation, Workplace Violence, and Safety and Health Programs. In addition, representatives from the Washington Group International continue to participate in the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups. Through the Design for Safety Workgroup, the Washington Group International worked with OSHA to develop a case study that describes how the company incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho.

      The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Implementation Team continued its work on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program. The company is reviewing its upcoming projects for an appropriate opportunity for OSHA representatives to work with the Washington Group International for one to three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project. Projects that are under consideration include the "Build Idaho" program through which all of Idaho's interstates will be redeveloped.

      During the reporting year, the Washington Group International's Boise Corporate office, Monsanto project, the Anniston DeMil and the Umatilla DeMil were recognized as VPP Star sites. In addition, the Washington Group International became the sixth participant in the VPP Corporate Pilot Program. A number of Washington Group International employees are also completing the required training to become Special Government Employee (SGEs).

   3. Alliance Program Reach

      Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.)	Number of Individuals Reached or Trained
      February 1, 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group International Renew Alliance," OSHA News Release	69 News Services
      February 1, 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group International Renew Alliance; Focus Continues on Areas of Cranes and Rigging, Hearing Protection and Ergonomics," U.S. Newswire	Data not available
      February 6, 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group International Renew Alliance," Safety Online	Data not available
      February 9, 2006, "OSHA Renews Washington Group Alliance," BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter	Data not available
      February 15, 2006, "National Alliances Renewed," OSHA QuickTakes	52,000
      February 16, 2006, "National Alliances Renewed," News for OSC	Data not available
      March 2006, "Safety Fest Addresses Construction Worker Safety in the Northwest," Alliance Quarterly Review	350
      Spring 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group Renew Alliance, The Washington Way	Data not available
      April 2006, "OSHA Alliances," OSHA Up To Date	Data not available
      June 12, 2006, ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety, 2006, Seattle, Washington "OSHA Construction Update" Speakers: Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group International	70
      June 14, 2006, ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety, 2006, Seattle, Washington "Designing for Construction Worker Safety" Speakers: Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group International	65
      July 24, 2006, Safety Workshop, "Safety and Health Professional Development Forum," Boise, Idaho "OSHA Cooperative Program Update" Speaker: Paula White, Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA	200
      July 25, 2006, Safety Workshop, "Safety and Health Professional Development Forum," Boise, Idaho "OSHA Construction Update" Speaker: Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, USDOL-OSHA	200
      December 11, 2006, Safety Fest of the Great Northwest, Boise, Idaho Speaker: Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., USDOL-OSHA	520
      OSHA Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety; Safety and Health Topic page	30,000
      OSHA Fall Protection Safety and Health Topics page	30,000
      OSHA Safety and Health Programs Safety and Health Topic page	38,000
      OSHA Scaffolding Safety and Health Topic page	47,000
      OSHA Silica, Crystalline Safety and Health Topic page	34,000
      OSHA Toxic Metals Safety and Health Topic page	30,000
      OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety and Health Topic page	27,000
      OSHA Workplace Violence Safety and Health Topic page	22,000
      OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web page	5,940
      Washington Group International Alliance Web page	Data not available
      TOTAL	287,414

4. Upcoming Milestones

   OSHA and the Washington Group International will continue the Alliance's education and training and outreach and communication efforts in the upcoming year. For example, the company will support the Idaho Department of Education's Safety Training initiative and it will sponsor and hold the third annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest.

   In addition, OSHA staff from Region X will be invited to attend the company's 2007 Safety Workshop in Boise, Idaho. Washington Group International staff will also speak to local and regional groups about its participation in the Alliance Program and the company's successful safety and health programs.

   OSHA and the Washington Group International will continue working on the Alliance's Job Shadowing Program and the company will review its upcoming projects to identify an appropriate opportunity for OSHA representatives to take part in during the design phase. OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office will work to identify sites for Washington Group International representatives to join its staff as worksite reviews of OSHA's Strategic Partnership's participants are conducted.

   The Washington Group International will also attend the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups meetings. Through the Design for Safety Workgroup, the case study about the company's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility project that successfully incorporated safety during the project's design phase will be finalized. The case study will be posted on OSHA's Web site in 2007. In addition, Rick Callor will present the Washington Group International's course that was developed using information from the Workgroup's "Designing for Construction Safety" slide presentation to OSHA staff and Alliance Program representatives.

   In addition, the Washington Group International will continue to work to have its worksites recognized as VPP Star sites. For example, the Pine Bluff Arsenal site has completed the draft application for VPP under the agency's Corporate Pilot Program. This application will be submitted to OSHA in 2007.

Report prepared by: Lisa Ramber, OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Coordinator, February 8, 2007