March 7, 2023

Next generation: US Department of Labor promotes safety to newest
generation of construction workforce during Atlanta career expo in March

OSHA focuses on preventing worker injuries at Southeast's largest construction career event

ATLANTA – Professionals from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration are participating in the 2023 Atlanta Construction Ready Career Expo – geared toward students  from Georgia's middle, high and tech schools – to highlight the importance of on-the-job safety to the industry's next generation of workers.

The event will be held March 9-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center and will focus on careers in construction and related fields and disciplines, such as safety, highway construction, electrical contracting, energy, drywall, tile, and roofing. Exhibits will feature machinery and tools, and participants will be available to answer questions about career options and skills needed in various industry fields.

"The 2023 Construction Ready Career Expo is arguably the nation's largest hands-on career day event," said OSHA Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer in Atlanta. "It is a useful way for students to explore careers in skilled trades and gives OSHA an excellent opportunity to partner with industry leaders and educators of prospective construction industry workers."

OSHA's youth safety campaign is part of the agency's Young Worker Initiative, which provides information and resources to teenagers, parents, educators and employers to ensure safe and rewarding work experiences for summer employees. For more information on workplace safety for teens, visit OSHA's website, Young Workers – You have rights!

Construction Ready will also welcome teachers, school administrators, parents, industry experts and volunteers. The expo acts as a simulated construction site where all attendees must wear a hard hat, safety glasses, long pants and closed-toe shoes. The expo expects to attract more than 9,000 attendees. Safety will be supervised by industry professionals.

Learn more about OSHA.

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Media Contacts:

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

Release Number:  23-209-ATL (83)