Contractors and unions sign deal for safer building sites.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. agency established (1970) in the Dept. of Labor (see Labor, United States Department of) to develop and enforce regulations for the safety and health of workers in businesses that are engaged in interstate (OSHA OSHA n. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a branch of the US Department of Labor responsible for establishing and enforcing safety and health standards in the workplace. ) along with a consortium of contractors and unions signed an accord to foster safer and healthier construction sites in New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. . The groups involved in the agreement include the Environmental Contractors Association (ECA ECA See: Export Credit Agency ), The Mason Tenders District Council (MTDC MTDC Missoula Technology and Development Center MTDC Modified Total Direct Cost MTDC Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (India) MTDC Malaysian Technology Development Corporation ), and the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local (IAHFI IAHFI International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12 A). Each group has committed to forming an alliance which will provide members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help protect employees' health and safety. The Environmental Contractors Association, a BTEA Contractor member, was instrumental in facilitating the agreement. "This agreement will make construction sites across the city safer for workers and the public alike," said Frank J. Garito president of the ECA. "Greater training and access to safety information are key components to this agreement." This agreement follows a historic self-imposed safety accord signed last November at the BTEA's annual safety conference between the BTEA and Building and Construction Trades. At this conference, OSHA also announced that 86% of all construction related deaths occur on non-union worksites. "It's encouraging to see one of our members spearhead such an important safety agreement," said Louis J. Coletti, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of the Building Trades Employer's Association (BTEA). "It demonstrates that our industry is taking the lead in addressing such a critical issue like site safety," he added. This agreement between OSHA, MTDCC, and IAHFI Local 12 A will achieve a variety of Safety and Education, Communication, and Workplace and Safety goals. The goals include: Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs; Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards; Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals; Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on asbestos and lead abatement. |
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