Region 6 News Release: 09-570-DAL (136)
May 28, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth Todd or Michael D'Aquino
Phone: 972-850-4710 404-562-2076

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA and Arkansas Home Builders Association in Little Rock, Ark., sign safety and health alliance agreement

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Protecting Arkansas workers from hazards associated within the residential construction industry is the goal of an alliance between the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Arkansas Home Builders Association (AHBA).

"This alliance provides an opportunity for OSHA and members of the AHBA to come together through forums, roundtable discussions, meeting and conferences to discuss safety and health issues associated with the needs of member employers," said Carlos Reynolds, OSHA's area director in Little Rock. "This voluntary cooperative relationship also will provide training and outreach to boost employee safety."

Founded in 1966, AHBA provides safety and health information, training programs and resources to about 1,800 members directly involved in building, remodeling and developing residential homes. Indirect members include mortgage and title companies, banks and realtors.

OSHA alliances are a means for participating organizations to network with others committed to workplace safety and health, and exchange information about hazards. The agency currently has more than 470 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

Employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA alliances or partnerships may call the agency's Little Rock Area Office at 501-224-1841.

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 safe and healthy workplaces 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.

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