CHICAGO ­– Employing interactive online reporting tools, virtual job planning sites and new employee orientations with a commitment to safety are some of the hallmarks of the Power Construction Co.’s innovative safety and health program.

In recognition of its efforts, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has designated the Chicago-based company as a Star Mobile Workforce Voluntary Protection Program, the highest safety achievement earned in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs.

Power Construction’s safety and health management system has helped the company maintain injury and illness rates below the Bureau of Labor Statistics averages in their industry. ­The company employs 642 workers and more than 900 subcontractors in the Chicago area.

“Power Construction has several innovative safety and health programs, including partnering with the OSHA Training Institute and using Power Safety E-Form, an online platform that allows management to monitor project status and safety data,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan in Chicago. “Power Constructions’ level of management commitment and employee engagement are areas of excellence that members of the VPP evaluation team noted.”

To ensure immediate emergency response if needed, Power Construction works closely with the City of Chicago’s police, fire and building departments to protect workers on projects in the city as part of its jobsite partnership program. The company also uses third-party safety consultants on many large jobs. Additionally, Power Construction has a program that provides mentoring and safety training to its tradesmen, who then act as site safety coordinators. Employees on site are represented by several local unions.

The VPP promotes effective worksite-based safety and health. The program commits management, employees and OSHA representatives to enacted a comprehensive safety and health management system. VPP designation is OSHA’s official recognition of outstanding efforts by employers and employees to ensure occupational safety and health.

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