Region 5 News Release: 11-1207-CHI
Sept. 13, 2011
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA establishes safety partnership with
Ryan Companies US Inc. at Kone Building Project work site in Moline, Ill.

MOLINE, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program have established a partnership with Ryan Companies US Inc., to promote effective safety and health programs during the construction of the Kone Building Project in Moline.

"This partnership reflects our common objective to provide a safe and healthful environment for employees working in the construction industry through increased training and implementation of best work practices," said Tom Bielema, OSHA's area director in Peoria. "We want to ensure that all construction companies are prepared to effectively control the workplace hazards their employees may encounter. Partnerships such as this one improve communications among OSHA, employers and workers."

Ryan Companies US Inc., which is headquartered in Naperville, will implement a site-specific safety and health program. It also will mentor subcontractors who have not yet developed their own safety and health programs and, if necessary, refer them to the Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program for assistance.

The voluntary partnership agreement is focused on identifying and controlling safety hazards, improving safety and health programs, promoting a cooperative relationship between labor and management, and encouraging employee participation in achieving a safe and healthful workplace. It aims to meet these goals through increased training, implementation of best work practices, and compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations.

Through the Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA partners 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.

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.