09-516-PHI (osha 09-54)
May 13, 2009
Contact: Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5101

U.S. Labor Department's OSHA launches alliance with National Association of Women in Construction's Chapter 96, to promote workplace safety and health

WILMINGTON, Del. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) - Chapter 96, today launched an alliance to promote workplace safety and health for all women in construction during a signing ceremony in Wilmington.

Through the alliance, OSHA and NAWIC - Chapter 96 will provide the association's members and others with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help protect employees' safety and health, particularly by reducing and preventing exposure to construction hazards.

"This alliance aims to elevate awareness of safety and health hazards, particularly as these relate to construction site work activities," said Domenick Salvatore, director of OSHA's Wilmington Area Office.

OSHA and NAWIC - Chapter 96 will work together to establish a safety training committee that will be responsible for communicating the alliance's goals, and providing training and updates on OSHA regulations on a quarterly basis.

In addition, NAWIC - Chapter 96 will enhance the promotion of construction safety and health education to area youth through its Annual Block Kids Program.

OSHA currently has more than 470 safety and health alliances throughout the nation as part of the agency's ongoing efforts to improve the safety and health of employees through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and government agencies.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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