Region 5 News Release: 13-1560-CHI
Aug. 5, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Construction workers of Woodward Rock Cut Campus in Loves Park, Ill.,
to benefit from OSHA strategic partnership
Ringland-Johnson and Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters sign partnership agreement

LOVES PARK, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established a strategic partnership with Ringland-Johnson and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters to protect workers during the construction project for the Woodward Rock Cut Campus in Loves Park. The Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program is also a partner in the project.

"Our focus is to forge a working relationship to control or eliminate serious workplace construction hazards and establish a foundation for the development of an effective safety and health program," said Kathy Webb, OSHA's area director in North Aurora. "The partnership aims to meet these goals through increased training, implementation of best work practices, site-specific written safety and health programs and compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations."

The project consists of a 435,000-square-foot manufacturing building, including a two-story integrated office, medical-dental clinic, cafeteria and a new data center. Ringland-Johnson will be the construction manager for the campus, expected to be completed in December 2014. The project may employ up to 200 tradesmen on-site during the peak of construction.

Safety goals will focus on reducing injuries on the job by establishing protective measures for common hazards found at construction sites, such as falls, struck by, trenching and electrical hazards. As part of the agreement, all contractors and subcontractors on the project will be required to submit site-specific written safety and health programs and pre-task work plans.

Through its Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA develops alliances with employers, workers, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other interested stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/partnerships/index.html or contact the agency's Aurora Area Office at 630-896-8700.

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 ensure 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 news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.