Region 5 News Release: 07-114-chi
January 25, 2007
Contact: Brad Mitchell
Phone: (312)353-6976

CINCINNATI -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Allied Construction Industries (ACI) trade group of Cincinnati are renewing their partnership for a second time to continue focusing on safety and health issues in the construction industry for the tri-state area around Cincinnati.

'The collective expertise of OSHA and ACI can make a significant impact on the safety and health of construction workers,' said Richard Gilgrist, OSHA area director in Cincinnati. 'This formal partnership gives us the tools to encourage employers and employees to commit to safe work practices and achieve positive gains toward reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities.'

OSHA and ACI will continue to work together to encourage employers to increase employee access to safety and health information and training resources and to incorporate safety and health issues into the construction and constructability process. In addition, ACI serves as a means for commercial construction companies to prepare for entry into OSHA's prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs. ACI lists more than 600 member companies, representing nearly 25,000 employees in the oldest and largest local commercial construction trade association.

OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program is part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao's ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of employees through cooperative relationships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and employees. More than one million employees and more than 33,000 employers across the United States have participated with OSHA in more than 440 Strategic Partnerships since the program began in 1998.

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 assure 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.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Representatives from 18 ACI member companies will sign the partnership renewal at the OSHA area office, 36 Triangle Park Drive, Sharonville, Ohio, at 8:30 a.m. EST on Friday, Jan. 26, 2007. The ceremony is open to news media.

U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755.