June 8, 2022

US Department of Labor, McCarthy Building Companies to promote
workplace safety, health at University of Georgia Poultry Science Complex
Partnership to focus on preventing worker injuries, exposure to hazards

ATHENS, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has signed a strategic partnership with McCarthy Building Companies to promote worker safety and health during the construction of a poultry science lab at the University of Georgia in Athens.

The Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute, through its Safety, Health and Environmental Program, will also support this partnership effort.

The partnership seeks to prevent worker injuries and exposure to hazards during the project by developing a contractor-government approach to safety and health. The initiative will also assist contractors in developing and implementing safety and health programs, and providing training to employees, employers and supervisors.

Participants will focus on identifying and preventing hazards related to falls, struck-by or caught-in materials or equipment. They will also address fire safety, protecting workers from heat illness, silica and noise exposure, and promoting safe work practices when using electrical equipment.

“Public-private sector partnerships that focus on training and eliminating hazards during major construction projects are proven methods for enhancing worker safety,” said OSHA Area Office Director Josh Turner in Atlanta-East. “While each partnership is unique, they all demonstrate a commitment to ensuring each worker returns home safely, every day.”

The 90,000 square-foot facility will include an administration and education office, dining hall, vocation shops, recreation area, maintenance facilities and a chiller plant.

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.

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Media Contacts:

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

Release Number:  22-1084-ATL (218)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).