OSHA renews partnership with CPWR

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) has recently renewed an alliance agreement to provide construction employers and workers with guidance and training resources to protect workers from exposure to construction hazards.

During the five-year agreement, the partners will address construction hazards including falls, silica exposure, trenching, working in inclement weather, elevator construction safety, emergency response and recovery operations, and safe practices when working in enclosed cabs. The partners will also promote resources to improve safety culture and encourage employers to implement safety and health programs, as well as share information on OSHA campaigns and initiatives.

“Great progress has been made toward improving safety on construction worksites in this country, but more work must be done to protect worker safety and health,” says Loren Sweatt, the acting assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. “OSHA and CPWR will continue to reinforce efforts to eliminate serious hazards until the number of work-related injuries and illnesses is zero.”

In the past, CPWR worked with OSHA to develop an infographic on working safely in trenches and a workbook to help contractors improve their safety culture on job sites. The center has served as an organizer for OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down and Safe + Sound campaigns. 

Founded in 1990, CPWR is the construction safety and health research arm for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The center’s research includes current and emerging industry hazards and related safety and health implications; technologies and work practices to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses; and translating research findings into practical tools for employers and workers.

The OSHA Alliance Program fosters collaborative relationships with groups committed to worker safety and health. Alliance partners help OSHA reach targeted audiences, such as employers and workers in high-hazard industries, giving them better access to workplace safety and health tools and information.