ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
PITTSBURGH AREA OFFICE
THE IRONWORKER EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN PA INC.
March 14, 2011

I. Alliance Background

Date Signed:

3-11-03

Date Renewed:

Last Renewal 3-16-09

Overview.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pittsburgh Area Office and the Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. (IWEA) aligned to foster and maintain an open line of communication with each other for the meaningful exchange of information on promoting OSHA compliance and Industry best practices in the Construction Industry.

Implementation Team Members

Bill Ligetti – Executive Director, IWEA
Robert Szymanski – Area Director, OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office
Robert Carroll – CAS, OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office
Frank Librich – Assistant Area Director, OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office

II. Implementation Team Meetings
 

III. Activities and Products

Evaluation Period.

March 12, 2010 to March 14, 2011

Alliance Activity.

March 15, 2010 – CAS provided Executive Director information in a document on the top twenty-five frequently cited standards in construction and general industry for the past two years in Region III to be posted on the website. This information was posted in the on the website in April. In addition, handouts providing information fatality statistics were provided for distribution.

April 16, 2010 – CAS and new CSHO trainee attended the “Ironworkers Outstanding Apprentice Competition and Annual Contractors/Construction Professionals Open House”. This event was held in conjunction with and at the Ironworkers Union Local #3 Apprenticeship School. The CAS and trainee received cross training in Ironworker construction activity. In addition, the CAS provided updated OSHA information and answered numerous questions relating to the construction standards from a variety of construction contractors/professionals throughout the day event.

April 23, 2010 – A technical information meeting on mobile crane safety was conducted with representatives (included safety & foremen personnel) of a member company relating to a current construction job that was conducting steel erection activities.

August 20, 2010 – CAS met with Executive Director and provided updated information on the new changes to the OSHA 10 and 30 hour courses.

November 5, 2010 – A pre-construction meeting was held with representatives (included safety and management) from a member company to review information on the new crane standard.

November 10, 2010 – A pre-construction meeting was held jointly with a safety representative from a member company and the Apprenticeship Coordinator from Ironworkers Union Local #3 to discuss information on the new crane standard.

November 19, 2010 - A pre-construction meeting was held with a safety representative from a member company focusing on the proximity to electrical lines in the new crane standard.

January 14, 2011 – The Executive Director and CAS participated in reviewing packets of a variety of construction jobs that had been submitted for upcoming safety awards. This effort assisted in the recognition of companies and employees that have maintained safety excellence at particular jobsites. In addition, this activity enables OSHA to obtain “Best Practice” information on steel erection construction jobsites.

Billl Ligetti, IWEA Executive Director, and member company representatives have called throughout the year for general discussions on OSHA standards/ policy/interpretations and requests for OSHA handouts/publications.

Alliance Products.

The IWEA’s website has a section “IWEA + OSHA” where various safety and health information is posted (i.e. OSHA Region III frequently cited standards, OSHA news releases, safety bulletins, product recalls, etc.). The website lists electronic links to various government and labor organizations.

IV. Results

The activities and information provided were well received. The Bill Ligetti, Executive Director, and member representatives of the safety and health outreach activities/communications found the information valuable in assisting them in promoting and improving their safety and health efforts. In addition, OSHA representatives found the shared information valuable in expanding their knowledge base on the implementation of good safety practices on steel erection construction jobsites.
 

The working relationship between the Alliance Signatories and the feedback on the Alliance continues to be extremely positive.

V. Upcoming Milestones

As a result of the positive working relationship between the Alliance signatories, an Alliance Renewal Agreement will be signed in March, 2011. The Alliance continues to look at future opportunities in providing information for affected parties. The Alliance Signatories will continue to work together to address the safety and health needs of the affected parties.

Report Prepared by: Bob Carroll, CAS OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office

For more information, contact the Office of Outreach Services and Alliances at 202-693-2340 or go to OSHA.