Kanawha Valley Builders Association Partnership Keeps Illness and Injury Rates Well Below Construction Industry's National Average
Background:
The Kanawha Valley Builders Association (KVBA) and OSHA's Region III Charleston Area Office developed their first OSHA Strategic Partnership (OSP) in September 2000. Due to the success of the Partnership, they renewed their OSP agreement in September 2004. KVBA is a trade association that focuses on commercial, institutional and industrial construction with over 100 member companies employing over 6,500 people and representing all facets of the construction industry.
The KVBA Partnership was formed to provide a safe and healthful working environment for employees involved in the construction industry in the Charleston and Kanawha Valley Area. It was also developed for the key purpose of preventing accidents within the industry through increased training and the implementation of effective safety and health management systems (SHMS).
Success Impact:
Injury and Illness Rates Well Below National Average
The following chart reflects the Days Away, Restricted and Transfer (DART) rate for the first three years of the Partnership as it compares to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) national average for the construction industry. As shown below, the three-year average DART rate for the Partnership was 50 percent below the BLS average.
Following the renewal of the Partnership (Year 4: 2007) the DART rate continues to be well below the industry average. The aggregate DART rate during this year was 1.6 - almost 50 percent below the original established baseline.
| KVBA Partnership DART Rates |
DART |
|---|---|
| Year 1: 2003 |
1.05 |
| Year 2: 2004 |
1.4 |
| Year 3: 2005/06 |
1.7 |
| 3-Year Avg. |
1.4 |
| BLS Industry National Average for Most Recent Year |
3.8 |
| Partnership Renewal | |
| Year 4: 2007 |
1.6 |
| BLS Industry National Average for Most Recent Year |
3.4 |
Increased Safety and Health Training
At the end of the evaluation period (December 31, 2007), there were 21 participants in this Partnership. Over the duration of the past year, participants have offered approximately 14,000 hours to employees and supervisors. The training included OSHA 10- and 30-hour courses, first aid, and drug awareness. Of the 21 participants, nine have been recognized as "Level 2" participants due to developing and implementing outstanding, proactive, and effective SHMS.
Partnership Objectives:
The key objective of the Partnership is to maintain an aggregate DART rate for participants below the BLS national average for the construction industry through increased training and implementing effective safety and health management systems (SHMS).