Region 5 - Alliance Annual Report - July 12, 2013
ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
CLEVELAND OSHA OFFICE
THE CLEVELAND SAFETY FORUM
July 12, 2013
Alliance Background
Date Signed
June 19, 2012
Overview
OSHA and the Cleveland Safety Forum formed the alliance to provide local construction companies, employees and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources to help them protect the health and safety of construction workers. The members of the Safety Forum include a group of union contractors, management, and union training coordinators. The alliance addresses occupational topics such as crane regulations, fall protection, silica exposure and education, training in hazard recognition and control in the construction industry.
Implementation Team Members
Howard Eberts, Area Director, Cleveland OSHA Office
Julie Weis, Compliance Assistance Specialist, Cleveland OSHA Office
Kent Crytzer, Co-Chair, Cleveland Safety Forum
William Hocevar, Co-Chair, Cleveland Safety Forum
Don Mays, Co-chair, Cleveland Safety Forum
Contributors
Contributors include members of the Safety Forum who attend monthly meetings and provide input to further the cause of the alliance.
Evaluation Period
This report covers the period from June 19, 2012 to June 19, 2013.
- Implementation Team Meetings
July 11, 2012; Laborer's Union Hall, meeting
August 22, 2012; Carpenter's Training Facility, meeting
October 10, 2012; Carpenter's Training Facility, meeting
November 7, 2012; Carpenter's Training Facility, meeting
December 11, 2012; Carpenter's Training Facility, meeting
January 21, 2013; Carpenter's Training Facility, meeting
March 25, 2013; Robert Fozio Union Training Facility, meeting
April 26, 2013; Robert Fozio Union Training Facility, meeting
There were also many phone calls made and email correspondence over the course of the year regarding the progress of the alliance and to make plans for upcoming meetings.
- Events and Products
Training and Education
- Events
The first annual Construction Safety Initiative was held on February 12, 2013 at Cuyahoga Community Corporate College. This day-long event was developed jointly between all members of the alliance. It was a very successful event for local construction companies, superintendents, foremen, workers and other individuals within the Cleveland OSHA office jurisdiction. There were over 250 attendees and due to the building occupancy limits, approximately 100 others had to be turned away. The content of the training included a variety of topics addressing the most hazardous areas in construction including falls, trenching and excavation, and electrocutions. The keynote presentation was a two hour session on the crucial components of how to develop a comprehensive safety and health management system. Other topics included how to handle an OSHA inspection and details on site specific safety plans for construction sites. Many vendors were onsite to offer their services from fall protection equipment to health and wellness programs. The feedback received from the attendees was very positive, most requesting another event next year.
- The local Operating Engineers training facility hosted a safety training session for both OSHA compliance officers and construction workers on the subject of excavator quick couplers. Due to several local incidents that have occurred, this training was especially relevant for all who attended.
- Products
Through the alliance membership, a Job Safety Analysis form was developed that specifically targets the operations that are found on construction sites. The focus is on the potential hazards that could occur and necessary personal protective equipment to protect the worker. Each task is analyzed to assure the worker is knowledgeable to complete the job. Training on the JSA form is being incorporated into the local OSHA 30 hour classes that are being taught to construction workers.
- Events
On a monthly basis the local construction safety council has meetings that are designed around the needs of construction companies regarding improving safety and health on their jobsites. In conjunction with the local OSHA office, the area director and/or compliance officer would routinely speak at the meetings to update the audience on the latest topics relating to OSHA, enforcement, and the construction industry.
- Handouts, pamphlets, and other products have been provided to safety council attendees. Especially critical were pamphlets and posters related to OSHA's heat and fall prevention campaigns.
- The subject of silicosis prevention for construction workers is a high priority for the members of the safety forum. Areas include health hazards created by silica dust and the need to develop an awareness (education), medical monitoring and respirator program. The purpose of the Monitoring, Awareness and Respirator Safety ("MARS") Program is to help facilitate the employers' efforts to provide a safe, healthy work environment for employees.
- Products
Delivery of monthly Safety Newsletters to local construction companies. Over 5,000 companies and individuals receive the hard copy document that covered a variety of safety and health topics designed for construction businesses.
- Events
- Results
The successful first year of this alliance has resulted in educating construction companies and individuals on the prevention of workplace hazards, OSHA regulations and methods for creating and maintaining safety and health programs. This alliance has been instrumental in furthering the relationship between OSHA and the construction industry of Northeast Ohio.
Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.) Number of Individuals Reached or Trained Development of tailored Job Safety Analysis form specifically for construction sites >300 Construction Safety Initiative (Day long training) 250 Safety training for employees on quick couplers for backhoes 40 Monthly meetings held for construction companies by the Construction Safety Council of Northeast Ohio 500 Monthly Safety Forum Meetings 5000 local construction businesses TOTAL >6,000 - Upcoming Milestones
The major planned activity for the alliance is the 2nd annual Construction Safety Day currently being discussed for February 2014. The 1st annual event was a very successful day-long event for local construction companies, superintendents, foremen and workers. There were over 250 attendees and due to the building occupancy limits, approximately 100 others had to be turned away. The group is now looking for another possible venue to accommodate a larger group.