Region 5 News Release: 10-989-CHI
July 21, 2010
Contact: Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976
E-mail: allen.scott@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA, Wisconsin On-site Safety and Health Consultation, the Building and Construction Trades of South Central Wisconsin, and Ryan Companies US establish safety partnership
Focus on safety and health in the construction industry

MADISON, Wis. - In an effort to provide a safe environment for workers in the construction industry, the U.S. Department of Labor¿s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Wisconsin On-site Safety and Health Consultation, the Building and Construction Trades of South Central Wisconsin, and Ryan Companies US Inc. have established a strategic partnership.

By utilizing the knowledge and resources of OSHA, the Wisconsin On-site Consultation, and the Building and Construction Trades of South Central Wisconsin, Ryan Companies expects to reduce exposure to hazards and incidents of serious injuries at the Target construction site in Madison through increased training, implementation of best work practices, enhanced safety and health programs, and compliance with OSHA standards.

"We would like to ensure all construction companies, big and small, are prepared to effectively control the workplace hazards their employees may encounter," said Kimberly Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison. "We believe this partnership brings us one step closer to ensuring all work sites have developed effective safety and health programs, and employees are trained to be more aware of work hazards and ways to prevent injuries."

OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program helps encourage, assist and recognize the efforts of partners to eliminate serious workplace hazards and achieve a high level of worker safety and health. Most strategic partnerships seek to have a broad impact by building cooperative relationships with groups of employers and workers. These partnerships are voluntary relationships among OSHA, employers, worker representatives and others, including trade unions, trade and professional associations, universities and other government agencies.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.