The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Construction Management Association of America formed an alliance early this month to help prevent injuries at construction sites.
The partnership is part of OSHA’s voluntary method of dealing with ergonomics-related injuries. Last year Congress overturned a Clinton-era regulation that would have required employers to develop ergonomics programs.
“Construction workplaces are among the most hazardous workplaces in this country today,” said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. “This partnership is an important step in working with the CMAA membership in lowering the high injury and illness rates in the industry.”
CMAA will use the alliance to provide its members with information on protecting employees’ health and safety, particularly in the area of preventing exposure to construction hazards. The two groups will also work to increase CMAA members’ access to health information and training resources.
The alliance will develop safety programs and present OSHA’s construction courses to CMAA members. OSHA personnel and construction industry safety and health practitioners will also crosstrain in construction management best practices.