November 28, 2023

US Department of Labor, MEJA Construction Inc. to promote safety during construction of Clayton County’s Forest Park Middle School 

Partnership will assist development, use of best practices to protect workers

Participants U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration  
MEJA Construction Inc.  
Georgia Institute of Technology On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program

What: Strategic safety partnership

Background: The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and MEJA Construction Inc. signed a strategic partnership to promote safety and health practices to help in preventing worker injuries and reducing exposure to hazards during construction of Forest Park Middle School in Clayton County, Georgia.

The initiative will also encourage contractors to develop and implement safety and health programs, and provide safety and health training to employees, employers and supervisors to reduce the number of injuries and illnesses, increase safety and health training, reduce the overexposure of workers to health and safety hazards and increase the number of employers with comprehensive safety and health management systems.

Participants will focus on using personal protective equipment; preventing heat illness; recognized and avoiding hazards related to falls, struck-by and caught-in objects; using electrical equipment safely; preventing and protecting against fire; using hand and power tools safely; and avoiding hazards related to silica and noise exposure.

The Forest Park Middle School construction project includes a campus with a 212,000-square-foot building, a 16,000 square-foot gym as well as a football field and track and field complex.

OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program works with employers, employees, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other interested stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. Learn more about OSHA.

Quote: "Public-private sector partnerships focus on worker safety and health training at all levels and are a proven method for enhancing worker safety during major construction projects. These partnerships continue to produce tangible results that showcase workplace safety and the importance of putting the safety and welfare of workers first," explained OSHA Area Office Director to Jeffery Stawowy in Atlanta-West. "Partnerships like these make a significant difference in ensuring workers finish their day's work safely."

Media Contacts:

Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov  
Erika B. Ruthman, 678-237-0630, ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov  

Release Number: 23-1616-ATL (375)