OSHA has awarded William Industries Inc., Houston, Texas, a contractor with exemplary safety records, admittance into a program designed to reduce injuries and illnesses by identifying on the job hazards and ensuring rapid abatement of those hazards.
The company was recognized through a comprehensive partnership between OSHA and the Associated General Contractors (AGC).
John B. Miles Jr., OSHA regional administrator in Dallas, commended Williams Industries for becoming the second general contractor to join in partnership with OSHA Region IV.
Miles presented a banner to Williams to be displayed on the company''s job sites.
"The continued commitment of major construction companies to the safety and health of all employees working at their job sites is instrumental in the reduction of fatalities and job related injuries in the Houston area," said Miles. "OSHA is pleased to recognize Williams Industries as one of these fine companies."
In order to participate in the OSHA/AGC program, contractors must meet stringent safety guidelines that include:
- an occupational injury and illness rate which is 15 percent below the most current published Bureau of Labor Statistics rates for the industry, and an Experience Modification Rate of .65 or below;
- a site specific written safety and health program, based upon either ANSI or OSHA guidelines that includes employee involvement;
- training for employees on hazards specific to their jobs;
- designated safety personnel who have at least one year experience in managing an effective construction safety and health program, and appropriate training in identifying construction hazards.
The agreement between OSHA and the AGC offers member companies the opportunity to work with OSHA as a partner.
Participation in the program encourages companies to monitor their own safety programs thus allowing OSHA to spend more time at sites that do not have an effective safety and health program, training or appropriate audit procedures for recognition of hazards.
To find out more about participating in an OSHA/AGC partnership, contact the OSHA Houston North area office at (281) 591-2438 or OSHA Houston South area office at (281) 286-0583.
by Virginia Sutcliffe