OSHA partners with builders, union on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame project

Even in today's era of artificial intelligence and other technology that can make music, music remains fundamentally about and for people. Musicians perform, and audiences listen. Music has value to people, which is why there is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. It enshrines the music that connects with and brings them together. Reflecting this value, a new safety partnership centered on Hall's expansion project is hitting all the right notes, so to speak.

Just as a songwriter crafts pieces with the melody, harmony, and rhythm in mind from the beginning, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is embedding safety into its expansion project from the start. The construction stakeholders have signed a partnership agreement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Cleveland Area Office to protect workers involved in the project.

“We understand that people value safety and health for themselves and their families. That is why we do everything we do to protect workers on their jobs," said Howie Eberts, OSHA area director in Cleveland.

The partnership, signed on February 22, between the construction company A.M. Higley, the OSHA area office, and other partners will last three years or until the project is complete, whichever comes first.

Strategic partnerships like this give OSHA the opportunity to educate subcontractors and everyone on the job site about safety and health. “The goal is to not have a serious incident, injury or illness at this site from shovel in the ground until the ribbon cutting at the end," said Charles Shelton, OSHA compliance assistance specialist in Cleveland.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2022, there were 1,056 fatalities among construction and extraction workers in 2022, an 11 percent increase over 2021. This industry experienced the second highest number of workplace fatalities, surpassed only by transportation and material moving occupations.

The partners will hold quarterly meetings, provide safety and health job site inspections, host OSHA's annual stand-down events, and track injury and illness rates throughout the agreement Shelton said.

“Partnering with A.M. Higley and OSHA to form this agreement demonstrates our commitment to fostering a safe work environment and prioritizing the well-being of our members," said David Wondolowski, executive secretary of the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council. “This collaboration enhances overall workplace safety, reduces accidents and reflects positively on our dedication to a safe working environment for all."

Strategic partnerships with OSHA are unique to each project and circumstance. They are designed to make worksites safer and communities better. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's expansion project is no different.

“The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a big part of downtown Cleveland and our identity here," said Eberts. “I am excited to sign this OSHA partnership agreement and work with A.M. Higley and the Cleveland building Trades and their workers to ensure this project is completed as safely as possible."

Left to Right: • Mr. David Wondolowski, Executive Secretary Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council • Mr. Ranzy Brown, Consultant Program Manager Ohio On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Programs • Mr. Gareth D. Vaughan, President/CEO, The Albert M. Higley Co. • Mr. Howard Eberts, OSHA Area Director, Cleveland • Mr. Glenn McGinley, Director of Compliance Programs, Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation • Mr. Thomas Lippert, Vice President, The Albert M. Higley Co.