Construction

OSHA Launches Regional Emphasis Program for Recovery Act Construction Projects

Aug. 18, 2009

The OSHA regional office in Denver recently launched a regional emphasis program in Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana aimed at ensuring workers involved in work funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are properly protected from occupational hazards that may lead to injuries or illnesses.

Laura Walter

The region plans to reduce recognized hazards on large Recovery Act-related construction projects, such as highways, bridges, new building construction and existing building renovation and demolition operations, through the use of expanded outreach and enforcement activities.

"Specific resources will be devoted to Recovery Act-funded sites," said Gregory J. Baxter, OSHA's regional administrator in Denver. "Inspections will target specific jobsites rather than specific employers, and thereby all employers active at a jobsite will be inspected."

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.