ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
PITTSBURGH AREA OFFICE
PITTSBURGH REGIONAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
May 25, 2016

I. Alliance Background

Date Signed: 5-17-04

Date Renewed: Last Renewal 5-25-16

Alliance Overview.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pittsburgh Area Office and The Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council aligned to provide Council members, including youth apprentice workers, with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help protect employees’ health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to the various hazards associated with the construction industry.

Implementation Team Members.

Richard Stanizzo – Business Rep., Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council
Robert Carroll – Compliance Assistance Specialist (CAS), OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office
Christopher Robinson –Area Director (AD), OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office

II. Implementation Team Meetings

July 14, 2015

In-person Dormont PA

September 8, 2015

In-person Dormont PA

October 16, 2015

In-person Dormont PA

February 5, 2016

In-person Dormont PA

April 6, 2016

Conference Call

May 25, 2016

In-person Pittsburgh PA

III. Activities and Products

Evaluation Period.

May 23, 2015 to May 25, 2016

Alliance Activity.

June 18, 2015 - Laborers District Council of Western PA - CAS met with the Apprenticeship School Training Director/Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, silica, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 53 apprentices and 8000 members).

June 19, 2015 – Keystone+Mountain+Lake Regional Council of Carpenters - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator and Instructors. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, silica, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 1100 apprentices and 14000 members).

June 19, 2015 - Steamfitters Local 449 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 300 apprentices and 1600 members).

June 29, 2015 - IBEW Local #5 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator and Instructors. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, GHS, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 350 apprentices and 3000 members).

June 30, 2015 - Plumbers Local # 27 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructors. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 93 apprentices and 500 members).

June 30, 2015 - Asbestos Workers Local # 2 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator and Instructors. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 75 apprentices and 450 members).

July 2, 2015 - Operating Engineers Local #2 - CAS and AD met with the Apprenticeship Instructors. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. Safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed. In addition, the CAS and AD presented local fatality stats and frequently cited standards to a safety apprenticeship class. (Approximately 300 apprentices and 7000 members).

July 7, 2015 – Sheet Metal Workers Local #12 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator and Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 112 apprentices and 850 members).

July 7, 2015 - Sprinkler Fitters Local #542 - CAS met with the Business Agent/Apprenticeship Coordinator and Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 32 apprentices and 123 members).

July 9, 2015 - IUPAT District Council #57 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Business Manager. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 172 apprentices and 2000 members).

July 9, 2015 - Elevator Constructors Local #6 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator and Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 70 apprentices and 305 members).

July 10, 2015 - Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local #9 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 110 apprentices and 1500 members).

July 14, 2015 - Boilermakers Local #154 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 300 apprentices and 1700 members).

July 16, 2015 - United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local #37 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 54 apprentices and 300 members).

July 16, 2015 - Ironworkers Local #3 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructors. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 168 apprentices and 1400 members).

July 20, 2015 - Cement Masons Local #526 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 42 apprentices and 458 members).

July 20, 2015 - Plasterers Local #31 - CAS met with the Apprenticeship Coordinator/Instructor. CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, confined space, frequently cited standards, and local fatality stats. In addition, safety and health issues/concerns relating to OSHA standards/regulatory agenda and OSHA inspection activities and initiatives were discussed (Approximately 35 apprentices and 200 members).

July 23, 2015 – Ironworkers Local #3 - The CAS and AD participated in a meeting with the Ironworkers Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania’s Executive Director, two representatives from a member company, and the President of Ironworkers Local #3. Topics discussed were the alliance agreements, OSHA standards/policies relating to structural steel erection, and jobsite safety and health expectations of both OSHA and the Union.

October 16, 2015 - CAS and AD had meeting with the Business Manager to discuss pledging support for an upcoming Construction Partnership project at Carnegie Mellon University. Construction projects in the coming year and member issues/concerns were discussed. In addition, past cross-training and future training opportunities at the various apprenticeship schools were discussed.

November 2, 2015 -- A signing Ceremony was conducted for the new Partnership with OSHA and PJ Dick for the Tepper Quad Building Project on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University. Representatives from OSHA, PJ Dick, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades, and CMU were present supporting the Partnership.

December 9, 2015 - The CAS attended and discussed construction safety at a career fair for vulnerable workers (most attendees came from the USW training program designed to "break the chains of poverty") at the Energy Innovation Center. The CAWP had an information booth and presented information through virtual computer training programs. In addition, the local union trades involved in heavy and highway construction had information booths and presented on apprenticeship opportunities. This was a joint effort between the CAWP and signatory unions, thus involving two local OSHA Alliances (CAWP and The Pittsburgh Regional Building & Construction Trades Council).

February 18, 2016 - Apprenticeship Information Committee meeting - CAS participated and presented information on the fall stand down, regulatory agenda, penalty increases, partnership sites and future cross-training. In addition, CAS answered concerns and issues relating to the OSHA 10 and 30 hour training.

February 25, 2016 - The Operator Engineers Local 66 Apprenticeship School in conjunction with CAWP hosted a "Highway Work Zone Training" conducted by AGC of America trainers through the support of a Susan Hardwood Grant. The audience being trained included company representatives, union representatives and Pgh AO reps (AAD & CSHOs). The event was well received and gave the local OSHA representatives an opportunity to increase their knowledge base and interact in a positive environment with stakeholders.

March 23, 2016 - CAS met with Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania’s Director of Industry Relations and the Laborer's Union Apprenticeship School Director of Training/Instructor to discuss upcoming Fall Stand Down activities and opportunities for future cross-training. In addition, the new Silica standard was discussed.

April 28, 2016 – Workers’ Memorial Day - Allegheny County Labor Council, AFL-CIO – The representatives from the Pittsburgh Area Office attended the Workers' Memorial Day Service held in Market Square, Pittsburgh PA. Business Manager of the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council along with representatives from the Trades’ Unions presented and were in attendance. The AD from the Pittsburgh Area Office was the Keynote Speaker. (Approximately 150 participants)

April, 29, 2016 - Ironworkers Local 3 & IWEA – The CAS attended the Annual Outstanding Ironworkers Apprentice Competition and Contractor/Construction Professionals Open House. The CAS provided updated OSHA information and answered numerous questions relating to OSHA policies/procedures/standards throughout the day event. Information on the fall stand down and heat stress were discussed. (Approximately 150 participants)

May 2, 2016 – As part of the fall protection stand down, a tool box training session was conducted by a fall protection consultant on the proper use of a variety of fall protection equipment at the CMU Tepper Quad construction project. The site is an OSHA/P.J. Dick Corporation Partnership with pledge support from the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council. The CAS presented information on fall protection talking points and local fatality statistics. (Approximately 40 site employees participated)

May 3, 2016 – Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania – As part of the fall stand down, the CAS and Director of Industry Relations for CAWP, presented information to apprentices and journeymen taking a safety class at the Apprenticeship school. The CAS presented information on fall protection talking points and local fatality statistics. The Director for Industry Relation for CAWP presented information associated with a free app used for fall protection training. (Approximately 20 attendees)

May 4, 2016 – As part of the fall protection stand down, the CAS and AAD presented fall protection talking points and updated fatality statistics to three apprenticeship classes at the Ironworkers Local #3 apprenticeship school. The students ranged from first year to third year apprentices. In addition, all classes met as a group in the structural steel building assembly training area where an instructor, CAS, and AAD provided and discussed a hands-on review of fall protection relating to structural steel erection. (The training reached approximately 45 attendees.)

May 12, 2016 - Ironworkers Local #3 – CAS and AD presented an OSHA update at the Ironworkers Apprenticeship School as part of an OSHA 30 hour. All current and national and local initiatives were addressed along with worker rights and local fatality statistics.

May 13, 2016 – Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters - CAS and AD attended the Annual Design Build & Carpenter Competition Open House Expo at the Carpenters Apprenticeship School. CAS and AD provided updated OSHA information and answered numerous questions relating to OSHA construction standards/policies/procedures throughout the day event. The attendees at the event were construction safety and health professionals, construction company owners and managers, safety equipment venders, journeymen, apprentices, students from Vo-Tech schools, state and local politicians, and family members. (Approximately 850 were in attendance)

May 25, 2016 – New RA stakeholder meeting was held with representatives from the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council, Ironworkers Local #3, and the Ironworkers Employers Association of Western PA (IWEA). The Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council signed an Alliance Renewal. This meeting was held at the Ironworkers Local #3 Apprenticeship School.

Throughout this evaluation period, the CAS has e-mailed the safety alerts on product defects/recalls relating to a specific manufacturer’s self-retracting lanyard and a truck with a missing roll pin on the steering shaft.

Various Business Agents/Field Representatives and Apprenticeship Coordinators/Instructors call monthly for discussion and guidance on construction standards and OSHA policy/procedure information.

IV. Results

The training and outreach communication information provided was well received. The member union representatives of the council found the information to be valuable in assisting them in their efforts of promoting and providing safety and health training to their members in reducing and preventing exposure to the various hazards associated with the construction industry.

Apprenticeship Coordinators, Instructors, Business Agents and members who have called throughout the year indicated the information received from the Pittsburgh Area Office was very helpful in interpreting OSHA’s policies and standards as they related to their current construction activities. The Council represents approximately 21,000 members. The information exchanged with the Building Trades Council would eventually have the potential to affect the entire membership, that being approximately 21,000 members. The working relationship between the Alliance Signatories and the feedback on the Alliance has been extremely positive. As a result of the positive feedback, an Alliance Renewal Agreement was signed on May 25, 2016.

V. Upcoming Milestones

The Alliance is continually looking into future opportunities in providing information for affected parties. The Alliance signatories will continue to work to address the safety and health needs of the affected parties.

Report Prepared by: Bob Carroll, CAS Pittsburgh Area Office
For more information, contact the Office of Outreach Services and Alliances at 202-693-2340 or go to www.osha.gov.