Roadway work-zone safety agreement signed

Through the alliance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and The Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Coalition--which includes ARTBA, the Laborers' International Union of North America, the National Asphalt Pavement Association, the International Union of Operating Engineers and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health--will develop hazard awareness training and education programs aimed at training workers, educating the roadway construction industry and reaching out to non-English construction workers about safe practices in roadway work zones. Alliance members also will share research findings with the construction industry so that the interventions and best practices described in training and outreach activities are based upon the most accurate scientific data.

"ARTBA and its members from the public and private sectors feel strongly they have a moral obligation to protect the safety of workers and motoring public in roadway construction zones," ARTBA Chairman Tom Hill said.

"This alliance bolsters our efforts to protect the health and safety of workers in roadway work zones," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "Together, we create the synergy to focus more effectively on work-zone safety and health issues on a national level and develop innovative solutions for reducing injuries and fatalities."