August 1, 2019
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999
 

U.S. Department of Labor and CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training Renew Alliance to Protect Construction Workers
 

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) recently renewed an alliance agreement to provide construction employers and workers with guidance and training resources to protect workers from exposure to construction hazards.

During the five-year agreement, the partners will address construction hazards including falls, silica exposure, trenching, and working in hot and cold weather, elevator construction safety, emergency response and recovery operations, and safe practices when working in enclosed cabs. The partners will also promote resources to improve safety culture, and encourage employers to implement safety and health programs, and share information on OSHA campaigns and initiatives, and worker protections from retaliation.

“Great progress has been made toward improving safety on construction worksites in this country, but more work must be done to protect worker safety and health,” said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “OSHA and CPWR will continue to reinforce efforts to eliminate serious hazards until the number of work-related injuries and illnesses is zero.”

In the past, CPWR worked with OSHA to develop an infographic on working safely in trenches and workbook to help contractors improve their safety culture on job sites. The center has served as an organizer for OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, and Safe + Sound Campaigns. 

Founded in 1990, CPWR is the construction safety and health research arm for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The center’s research includes current and emerging industry hazards and related safety and health implications; technologies and work practices to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses; and translating research findings into practical tools for employers and workers.

The OSHA Alliance Program fosters collaborative relationships with groups committed to worker safety and health. Alliance partners help OSHA reach targeted audiences, such as employers and workers in high-hazard industries, giving them better access to workplace safety and health tools and information.

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 help 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 www.osha.gov. 

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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