OSHA Forms Safety Partnership for St. Alexius Medical Center Construction Project

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established a partnership with Schaumburg, Ill.-based Power Construction Co. LLC to promote effective safety and health programs during the St. Alexius Medical Center East Pavilion construction project in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

The partnership also includes the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Chicago Pipefitters Union and the Illinois On-Site Consultation Program.

“This voluntary partnership reflects a mutual recognition of the importance of workers’ safety and health,” said Diane Turek, OSHA’s area director in Des Plaines. “Partnerships such as this one help develop effective safety programs, reduce exposure to hazards, and improve open and continuous communication among OSHA, employers and workers.”

The $55-million project is a 210,000-square-foot, seven story addition to the existing St. Alexius Medical Center. The project is expected to employ 150-200 workers and 12 subcontractors. All contractors and subcontractors on the project will be considered partners and will have comprehensive, site-specific written safety and health programs.

The voluntary partnership agreement is focused on identifying and controlling safety hazards, improving safety and health programs, promoting a cooperative relationship between labor and management, and encouraging employee participation in achieving a safe and healthful workplace. It aims to meet these goals through increased training, implementation of best work practices, and compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations.

Through its Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA partners with employers, workers, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/partnerships/index.html.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.