ST. LOUIS – To reduce dangers faced by construction industry workers, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Associated General Contractors of Missouri renewed their partnership agreement to train and protect the state’s construction industry workers. The renewal marks the continuation of a 25-year partnership.
The five-year pact will continue efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities caused by the construction industry’s top four hazards – falls, struck-by, caught-in/between and electrocutions. In addition, OSHA and AGCMO will work together to ensure workers are trained on preventing other job site hazards, such as lacerations and amputations, and inadequate machine guarding and lockout/tagout procedures.
The two organizations will address falls from elevation and trench and excavation collapses, two of the industry’s most fatal hazards. The partners will encourage AGCMO members to participate in annual events including the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, and the upcoming Trench Safety Stand-Down from June 20-24, 2022.
The agreement also seeks to increase the use of AGCMO’s mental health resources and its website dedicated to Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry, and encourage members to participate in events during Construction Suicide Prevention Week from Sept. 5-9, 2022 to help recognize mental health issues and provide resources.
“Our partnership with the Associated General Contractors of Missouri helps prevent worker injuries and fatalities by putting comprehensive safety and health management systems in place for contractors and subcontractors on area construction sites,” said OSHA Area Director Bill McDonald in St. Louis. “The 25-year partnership between OSHA and the AGCMO continues to provide contractors and workers with training and resources to improve workplace safety in this high-hazard industry.”
Partnership members will continue educating employees and employers about workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
OSHA works with businesses, labor groups and other organizations through its Cooperative Programs to help prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
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