The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently renewed its alliance with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Partners (including AGC of America) to protect workers in roadway construction work zones from injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The renewed alliance will continue for five years.

The alliance promotes a culture of safety in the roadway construction industry, especially among non- and limited-English speaking workers. Members collaborate to reduce workplace incidents, especially preventing worker exposures to run-over and back-over hazards, excessive noise, sprains and strains, and illnesses related to silica exposure.

"Employees who work in highway construction work zones face serious dangers, not only from construction equipment but from motorists as well," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "I am confident that the information and resources generated from this renewed alliance will prove beneficial in reducing worker injuries and fatalities."

Created in 2007, the alliance has developed case studies on worker fatalities in roadway work zones, produced an infographic on the causes of the fatalities, and contributed to the development of documents and training courses to prevent falls and other construction safety hazards. The Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Partners have distributed information on OSHA’s campaigns to prevent falls in construction and reduce the risks of heat illness.

Signatories include the American Road and Transportation Builders Association; National Asphalt Pavement Association; Laborers’ International Union of North America [LIUNA]; Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America; LIUNA Training and Education Fund; International Union of Operating Engineers; Associated General Contractors of America; International Safety Equipment Association; and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Through its alliance program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.