ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
PITTSBURGH AREA OFFICE (OSHA)
PITTSBURGH REGIONAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
May 26, 2017

1. Alliance Background

   1. Date Signed:

      May 17, 2004 Renewed: May 25, 2016

   2. Evaluation Period

      May 26, 2016 – May 25, 2017

   3. 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.

   4. Implementation Team Members

      OSHA

      Christopher Robinson – Area Director, Pittsburgh Area Office
      Robert Carroll – Compliance Assistance Specialist, Pittsburgh Area Office

      Alliance participant

      Richard Stanizzo – Business Manager, Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council

2. Implementation Team Meetings

   • August 17, 2016
   • October 28, 2016
   • January 12, 2017
   • March 6, 2017
   • May 22, 2017

    

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

3. Results

   The following table summarizes the Alliance's activities in support of the goals in the Alliance agreement.

   Raising Awareness of OSHA's Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives: To share information on OSHA's National/Regional/Local Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process. To share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on hazards associated the construction industry to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues. To encourage worker participation in workplace safety and health by working with building trades unions and their apprenticeship schools to promote workplace safety through informational materials, discussions, meetings, organizational events, and training.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meeting Dissemination Speech/Presentation Training	The CAS visited each of the seventeen union apprenticeship schools to meet with the Apprenticeship Coordinators/Instructors. The unions represented are as follows: Ironworkers Local #3; United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local #37; IUPAT District Council #57; Cement Masons Local #526; Plasterers Local #31; Laborers District Council of Western PA; Sprinkler Fitters Local #542; Keystone-Mountain-Lakes Carpenters; Steamfitters Local #449; Insulators Local #2; Plumbers Local #27; Elevator Constructors Local #6; Boilermakers Local #154; Operating Engineers Local #66; Bricklayers and Allied Craft Local #9; Sheet Metal Workers Local #12; IBEW Local #5. During each of these visits, the CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, silica, common 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, these meetings act as a forum to exchange safety and health technical information and best practices. The Apprenticeship Schools conduct and promote safety and health training to both apprentices and journeymen throughout the year.	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Recordkeeping Hazard Communication Oil & Gas Silica Workzone Safety Youth Workers (Union Apprentices)	21,000 (Total Members)
   Training	An IBEW Local #5 Apprenticeship School Instructor conducted electrical work training for the OSHA staff during a staff meeting.	Construction Electrical	20
   Training	In conjunction with the Alliances with the Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council and the Ironworkers Employers Association (IWEA), cross training was conducted at the Ironworkers Local #3 Apprenticeship School. CSHOs and second year apprentices participated in a Decking training class that included classroom and hands-on installation of decking. The class covered the elements of safety, quality, and production as it pertained to the decking phase on a jobsite. OSHA representatives, apprentices, and instructors were able to exchange knowledge in their respective areas. Member companies from the IWEA supported the training by providing materials and through training curriculum review.	Fall Prevention Construction Youth Workers (Union Apprentices)	12
   Meetings Dissemination Speech/Presentation Training	Apprentice Information Committee Meetings - The CAS attended and presented at three of these meetings during this evaluation period. Specifics on each meeting as follows: (1) CAS participated and presented updated information relating to the new Regional Administrators visit and meetings with stakeholders. In addition, information was exchanged with the Apprenticeship Coordinators and special quests (Deputy Secretary of Dept. of Labor PA, Deputy Secretary of Community and Economic Development, and Director of Apprenticeship and Training Office Dept. of Labor and Industry PA) for the need to increase apprenticeship training to pass the knowledge base down to improve on the skill set and safety of the trade workers. Other topics of discussion were diversity and ability to get qualified candidates. (2) CAS participated and presented updated information on OSHA's Outreach Training Program Requirements and input on safety orientation and oversight for the upcoming new construction of a Cracker Plant. In addition, information was exchanged with the Apprenticeship Coordinators. (3) As part of the fall stand down campaign, the CAS presented and provided handouts information relating to fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality statistics. Special quest at the meeting was PA Secretary of Labor & Industry. She discussed workforce development needs and state's ability to support.	Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Construction Safety and Health Program Systems Silica Workzone Safety Fall Prevention Heat Stress Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	70
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	University of Pittsburgh - As part of the University's "Construction Management Building Blocks" seminar series, the AD and CAS assisted in presenting a safety and OSHA overview during the safety topic workshop part of the series. The Carpenters Union's Director of Research/Special Projects presented information relating to union safety and rights. The Director of Safety for the MBA presented information related to his organizations safety efforts locally. The overall education series was intended to reach minority contractors and covered a variety of topics from estimating, scheduling, project management, safety, and financial aspects.	Employer Rights and Responsibilities Worker Rights Fall Prevention Heat Stress Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Recordkeeping Small Business	30
   Exhibit Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	PA One Call Western PA Safety Day - Pittsburgh Area Office representatives staffed an information table and provided presentations on OSHA's fall protection and trenching/excavation. The staff provided handouts and answered a variety of question relating to excavation safety, construction standards, fall protection, heat stress, workers' rights and OSHA policies/procedures. Union member representatives participated and discussed issues and concerns relating to but not limited to OSHA policies/procedures, work zone safety, fall protection and excavation safety. In addition, the Operating Engineers had an information table.	Construction Fall Protection Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress Safety and Health Program/Systems	100
   Meeting Dissemination	Meeting with Business Manager to discuss upcoming construction projects and pledging support for to potential Partnership sites with signatory contractors. In addition, jurisdiction and coverage issues were discussed. Note: The Business Manager signed both partnership documents pledging support.	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Hazard Communication Silica Oil and Gas Small Business Recordkeeping	115
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	As part of the fall stand down, the CAS presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to three second year apprenticeship classes at the Ironworkers Local #3 Apprenticeship School. In addition, numerous specific questions on fall protection at the apprentices various jobsites were discussed. The apprenticeship instructors also participated in the training and Q&A.	Fall Prevention Construction Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	30
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	P.J. Dick CMU Construction Project Partnership Site - CAS and Project Safety Manager presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to union craft workers on the project site.	Fall Prevention Construction Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	150
   Training Dissemination	Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters - CAS and CSHO attended the Open House and Carpentry Skills Expo at the Carpenters Apprenticeship School. CAS and CSHO provided updated OSHA information and answered numerous questions relating to OSHA construction standards/policies/procedures throughout the day event. In addition, a fall protection equipment vender had an exhibit and presented information on fall prevention. 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.	Construction Fall Prevention Worker Rights Safety and Health Programs/Systems Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress Young Workers (Union Apprentices and Votech Students)	800
   Dissemination	Region III "Focus Four Hazards" Campaign - Throughout this evaluation, the CAS has e-mailed the tool box talks on the Focus Four Hazards (Falls, Electrocutions, Struck by, Caught-in/between). The campaign was to raise awareness in the recognition, evaluation, and control of these hazards.	Construction Struck-By Hazards Electrocutions Caught-in/Between Fall Prevention	21,000 (Total Members)
   Dissemination	Throughout this evaluation period, the CAS has e-mailed three safety alerts for distribution on product defects relating to energy absorbers used on horizontal lifelines, control systems on a scissors lift, and a ladder safety device	Fall Prevention Construction	21,000 (Total Members)
   Training Dissemination	The Constructors Association of Western PA and the Master Builders Association sponsored two Silica Workshops for member representatives and applicable union representatives. Union representatives in attendance were apprenticeship instructors and craft workers of signatory contractors. The workshop provided and overview of the standard with an emphasis on engineering controls and work practice controls. Tools and equipment were demonstrated.	Construction Silica	100
   Training and Education: To review or provide input on effective training and education programs for union workers, both journeymen and apprentices, and others regarding hazards associated with the construction industry and to communicate such information to constituent union workers and employers. To review or provide input on effective training and education programs for building trades unions to promote an understanding of workers' rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, the responsibilities of employers, and to communicate such information to union workers and employers.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meetings Dissemination Speech/Presentation Training	The CAS visited each of the seventeen union apprenticeship schools to meet with the Apprenticeship Coordinators/Instructors. The unions represented are as follows: Ironworkers Local #3; United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local #37; IUPAT District Council #57; Cement Masons Local #526; Plasterers Local #31; Laborers District Council of Western PA; Sprinkler Fitters Local #542; Keystone-Mountain-Lakes Carpenters; Steamfitters Local #449; Insulators Local #2; Plumbers Local #27; Elevator Constructors Local #6; Boilermakers Local #154; Operating Engineers Local #66; Bricklayers and Allied Craft Local #9; Sheet Metal Workers Local #12; IBEW Local #5. During each of these visits, the CAS presented/discussed OSHA update information to include but not limited to heat stress, fall protection, worker rights, silica, common 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, these meetings act as a forum to exchange safety and health technical information and best practices. The Apprenticeship Schools conduct and promote safety and health training to both apprentices and journeymen throughout the year.	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Recordkeeping Oil & Gas Hazard Communication Silica Workzone Safety Youth Workers (Union Apprentices)	21,000 (Total Members)
   Training	An IBEW Local #5 Apprenticeship School Instructor conducted electrical work training for the OSHA staff during a staff meeting.	Construction Electrical	20
   Training	In conjunction with the Alliances with the Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council and the Ironworkers Employers Association (IWEA), cross training was conducted at the Ironworkers Local #3 Apprenticeship School. CSHOS and second year apprentices participated in a Decking training class that included classroom and hands-on installation of decking. The class covered the elements of safety, quality, and production as it pertained to the decking phase on a jobsite. OSHA representatives, apprentices, and instructors were able to exchange knowledge in their respective areas. Member companies from the IWEA supported the training by providing materials and through training curriculum review.	Construction Fall Prevention Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	12
   Meetings Dissemination Speech/Presentation Training	Apprentice Information Committee Meetings - The CAS attended and presented at three of these meetings during this evaluation period. Specifics on each meeting as follows: (1) CAS participated and presented updated information relating to the new Regional Administrators visit and meetings with stakeholders. In addition, information was exchanged with the Apprenticeship Coordinators and special quests (Deputy Secretary of Dept. of Labor PA, Deputy Secretary of Community and Economic Development, and Director of Apprenticeship and Training Office Dept. of Labor and Industry PA) for the need to increase apprenticeship training to pass the knowledge base down to improve on the skill set and safety of the trade workers. Other topics of discussion were diversity and ability to get qualified candidates. (2) CAS participated and presented updated information on OSHA's Outreach Training Program Requirements and input on safety orientation and oversight for the upcoming new construction of a Cracker Plant. In addition, information was exchanged with the Apprenticeship Coordinators. (3) As part of the fall stand down campaign, the CAS presented and provided handouts information relating to fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality statistics. Special quest at the meeting was PA Secretary of Labor & Industry. She discussed workforce development needs and state's ability to support.	Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Construction Safety and Health Program Systems Silica Workzone Safety Fall Prevention Heat Stress Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	70
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	University of Pittsburgh - As part of the University's "Construction Management Building Blocks" seminar series, the AD and CAS assisted in presenting a safety and OSHA overview during the safety topic workshop part of the series. The Carpenters Union's Director of Research/Special Projects presented information relating to union safety and rights. The Director of Safety for the MBA presented information related to his organizations safety efforts locally. The overall education series was intended to reach minority contractors and covered a variety of topics from estimating, scheduling, project management, safety, and financial aspects.	Employer Rights and Responsibilities Worker Rights Fall Prevention Heat Stress Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Recordkeeping Small Business	30
   Exhibit Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	PA One Call Western PA Safety Day - Pittsburgh Area Office representatives staffed an information table and provided presentations on OSHA's fall protection and trenching/excavation. The staff provided handouts and answered a variety of question relating to excavation safety, construction standards, fall protection, heat stress, workers' rights and OSHA policies/procedures. Union member representatives participated and discussed issues and concerns relating to but not limited to OSHA policies/procedures, work zone safety, fall protection and excavation safety. In addition, the Operating Engineers had an information table.	Construction Fall Protection Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress Safety and Health Program/Systems	100
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	As part of the fall stand down, the CAS presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to three second year apprenticeship classes at the Ironworkers Local #3 Apprenticeship School. In addition, numerous specific questions on fall protection at the apprentices various jobsites were discussed. The apprenticeship instructors also participated in the training and Q&A.	Fall Prevention Construction Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	30
   Training Dissemination	Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters - CAS and CSHO attended the Open House and Carpentry Skills Expo at the Carpenters Apprenticeship School. CAS and CSHO provided updated OSHA information and answered numerous questions relating to OSHA construction standards/policies/procedures throughout the day event. In addition, a fall protection equipment vender had an exhibit and presented information on fall prevention. 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.	Construction Fall Prevention Worker Rights Safety and Health Programs/Systems Employer Rights and Responsibilities Heat Stress Young Workers (Union Apprentices and Votech Students)	800
   Speech/Presentation Training Dissemination	P.J. Dick CMU Construction Project Partnership Site - CAS and Project Safety Manager presented information on fall hazards, fall prevention, and local fatality stats to union craft workers on the project site.	Fall Prevention Construction Young Workers (Union Apprentices)	150
   Training Dissemination	The Constructors Association of Western PA and the Master Builders Association sponsored two Silica Workshops for member representatives and applicable union representatives. Union representatives in attendance were apprenticeship instructors and craft workers of signatory contractors. The workshop provided and overview of the standard with an emphasis on engineering controls and work practice controls. Tools and equipment were demonstrated.	Construction Silica	100
   Outreach and Communication: To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council conferences, local meetings, apprenticeship schools or other applicable events. To share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding the Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council good practices or effective approaches through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum) developed by the Participants.
   Activity Type	Activity Name/Summary	OSHA Areas of Emphasis Supported	Number Reached
   Meetings Speech/Presentations Exhibit Training Dissemination	All activities in previous sections apply (See Previous sections for reference)	Construction Safety and Health Programs/Systems Fall Prevention Heat Stress Worker Rights Employer Rights and Responsibilities Small Business Oil & Gas Recordkeeping Temporary Workers Hazard Communication Electrical Silica Workzone Safety Youth Workers (Union Apprentices)	See previous sections
   TOTAL			64,427

4. Evaluations

   The activities provided during this evaluation period were well received. The member representatives and the recipients of the safety and health outreach activities/communications found the information valuable in assisting them in promoting and improving their safety and health efforts at their construction jobsites.

   The individuals reached by the outreach activities/communication activities represent companies/unions with many employees/members that would be directly affected by the safety and health information provided. The working relationship between the Alliance Signatories and the feedback on the Alliance continues to be very positive

5. Upcoming Milestones

   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 Pittsburgh Area Office