Region 5 News Release: 11-1195-CHI
Sept. 20, 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 Vogel Bros.
Building Co. for Mentor Commercialization Upgrade Project in Madison, Wis.

MADISON, Wis. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Wisconsin Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program have established a partnership with Vogel Bros. Building Co. to reduce workers' exposure to hazards and the likelihood of serious injuries at the construction site of the Mentor Commercialization Upgrade Project in Madison.

"This partnership reflects our recognition of the importance of construction workers' safety and health, and our commitment to providing greater fall protection," said Kim Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison. "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 help develop effective safety programs, and improve open and continuous communication among OSHA, employers and workers."

Vogel Bros. Building Co., which is headquartered in Madison, will implement a site-specific safety and health program, and will mentor subcontractors who have not yet developed their own safety and health programs. The company will require the use of fall protection for all workers at heights of 6 feet or greater, and provide safety and health training to non-English speaking subcontractors, including the use of interpreters and translators if needed.

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 its 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.