Protecting Louisiana workers from construction industry hazards is the goal of an alliance signed in July between the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Louisiana Associated General Contractors.

"This alliance provides an opportunity for OSHA and members of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors to come together through forums, round-table discussions, meetings and conferences to discuss safety and health issues associated with the needs of member employers," said Dorinda Folse, OSHA’s area director in Baton Rouge. "This voluntary, cooperative relationship will also provide training and outreach to enhance employee safety."

The LAGC is a statewide, full-service construction trade association representing about 800 general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and service firms throughout Louisiana. Formed in 1949, LAGC is one of 101 chapters of the 33,000-member Associated General Contractors of America, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. For more information, visit www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

For more information about this alliance or forming an alliance or partnership with OSHA’s Baton Rouge Area Office, call 225-298-5458. To ask questions about compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s tollfree hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Baton Rouge Area Office.

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 exist for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.