OSHA, Building Group Renew Safety Alliance

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently renewed its Alliance with the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association (CSDA) to continue offering information and training resources to help protect the safety and health of construction workers.

The Alliance will also address issues such as electrical safety; hearing protection; ladder and scaffold safety; highway work zone hazards; motor vehicle safety; and respiratory protection for hazards associated with silica.

Through the Alliance, CSDA representatives continue to serve on the editorial board for the Concrete and Concrete Products – Manufacturing and Construction Safety and Health Topics page. In addition, OSHA and CSDA have developed compliance assistance products including two fact sheets, "Highway Work Zone Safety Best Practices" and "Reducing Silica Exposure." OSHA representatives also spoke at the World of Concrete Conference and Trade Show 2007, and distributed Alliance Program publications and compliance assistance resources.

Representing more than 550 contractors, manufacturers and affiliated member companies that work in the concrete cutting industry, CSDA has developed several training products including a concrete cutters safety manual; a pocket safety handbook; 56 toolbox safety tips; and training videos focusing on safe operating practices. The association publishes a quarterly magazine, Concrete Openings, which focuses on the concrete construction and renovation industry.