Region 6 News Release: OSHA-09-54-DAL
Monday, Jan. 26, 2009
Contact: Diana Petterson Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4709 972-850-4710

SAN ANTONIO -- Enhanced workplace safety for construction workers in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas is the goal of an alliance signed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Association of Foundation Drilling, South Central Chapter (ADSC) in San Antonio.

"Together, OSHA and the ADSC can work toward emphasizing employer awareness of hazardous working conditions in the construction industry," said Dean McDaniel, OSHA's regional administrator in Dallas. "It is hopeful that this cooperative effort will help prevent injuries."

The agreement gives the partners the opportunity to develop educational training programs relating to fall protection, silica and equipment operation hazards while establishing communications methods for providing this information to employers and employees in the industry.

ADSC, established in 1972, represents foundation drilling contractors and designers, drilling rigs and tool manufacturers and suppliers.

Employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA partnerships or alliances may call the agency's regional office at 972-850-4145. OSHA currently has more than 470 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 38 years. This success is reflected in the latest data (2007) showing the lowest national injury and illness incidence rate that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has ever recorded. OSHA continues to work diligently to focus its resources where they will have the most impact in assuring that every working man and woman returns home safely every day.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote 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.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at 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 www.dol.gov/compliance.