I. Alliance Background
Date Signed
December 12, 2002
Dates Renewed
December 19, 2003
February 1, 2006
Overview
Through the Alliance, OSHA and the Washington Group International, Inc. are sharing best practices
and technical knowledge in the areas of, but not limited to, cranes and rigging, hearing protection
and ergonomics within the engineering and construction industry.
Implementation Team Members
| OSHA: |
|
| |
|
Stew Burkhammer
Jerry Hockett
Van Howell
Lisa Ramber |
Office of Construction Services
Region X
Region X
Office of Outreach Services and Alliances |
| |
|
| Washington Group International: |
| |
|
Rick Callor
Brad Giles
Willie Piispanen |
|
Evaluation Period
December 12, 2005 - December 11, 2006
II. Implementation Team Meetings
January 31, 2006
April 18, 2006
May 16, 2006
May 17, 2006
June 30, 2006
October 24, 2006 |
Construction Roundtable, Fall Protection Workgroup Meeting
Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting
Construction Roundtable, Fall Protection Workgroup Meeting
Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting
Implementation Team Meeting
Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety Workgroup Meeting |
In addition to these formal meetings, the Alliance coordinators from both
groups maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Program's progress
and results.
III. Results
- Events and Products
Training and Education Goal
- Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs on specific
construction industry safety and health issues and provide expertise in communicating such
information to employers and employees in the industry.
Products
OSHA 10 Hour Training for Idaho Educators
A 10 Hour OSHA Vocational Education Training Program was developed jointly by the OSHA Region X,
Boise, Idaho Area Office, Idaho Department of Education and Rick Callor, Washington Group
International. The training program was completed in September 2006. The training specifically
addresses tools, equipment and machinery that are used in vocational education classes as based
on-site audits that were conducted in 2006.
Events
ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals Class
The Washington Group International offers this training free of charge to a wide variety of
individuals and organizations. Through the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance,
OSHA's Boise Area Office worked with the company to offer this training to OSHA staff. Willie Piispanen, Washington Group International, Van Howell, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office,
USDOL-OSHA and Dr. Dale Stephenson, Boise State University, organized "ASP/CSP Safety
Fundamentals;" a two hour class presented every Monday night beginning October 2006. The classes
covered the fundamental concepts of the ASP/CSP exam but were also open to anyone interested in
receiving a fundamental training in safety concepts. The classes were held at the Region X, Boise,
Idaho Area Office and the Washington Group International printed the class' lecture notes and
supplied four instructors. Twenty-two people registered for the class.
Outreach and Communication Goals
- Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of
workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information
(e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and the Washington Group
International's Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.
Products
OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages
Washington Group International representatives are continuing to provide their expertise as members
of the following Safety and Health Topic pages' Editorial Boards and are providing OSHA with input
and comments on the pages' content:
- Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety, Rick Callor
- Fall Protection, Rick Callor
- Safety and Health Programs, Ken Way
- Scaffolding, Ron Cross
- Silica, Crystaline, Craig Beck
- Toxic Metals, Willie Piispanen
- Trenching and Excavation, Rick Callor
- Workplace Violence, Joe Herrity
OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web Page
The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web page on OSHA's Web site contains
information on the Alliance, including Products and Resources, Activities and Events, and Milestones
and Successes. The page is updated regularly.
Washington Group International Alliance Web Page
The Washington Group International has an Alliance Program section on its Web site that highlights
the company's commitment to and participation in the Program. In addition, the page links to
information on the company's involvement in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs.
Publications
Information on the activities of the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, including the
signing of the Alliance renewal agreement, has appeared in publications such as BNA Occupational
Safety and Health Reporter and OSHA's Alliance Quarterly Review.
- Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding
Washington Group International's best practices or effective approaches and publicize results
through outreach by Washington Group International and through OSHA- or Washington Group
International-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any
other applicable forum).
Events
ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety, 2006, Washington State Convention and Trade
Center, Seattle, Washington, June 11 - 14, 2006
On, June 12, 2006, Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of
Construction, USDOL-OSHA, and Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and
Security, Washington Group International, participated in a panel roundtable; "OSHA Construction
Update." During the roundtable discussions, OSHA's Alliance Program initiatives and cooperative
programs were discussed. In addition, Stewart Burkhammer and Brad Giles participated in a panel
presentation; "Designing for Construction Worker Safety" on June 14, 2006. During the presentation
they presented the "Designing for Construction Safety" slide presentation developed through the OSHA
Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Design for Safety Workgroup.
Washington Group International Safety Workshop, DoubleTree Hotel, Boise, Idaho,
July 24 - 28, 2006
On July 24 - 28, 2006, the Washington Group International held its "Safety and Health Professional
Development Forum" also know as the Safety Workshop in Boise, Idaho. On July 24, 2007, Paula White,
Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Cooperative
Program Update" and discussed the Agency's Voluntary Protection Programs and its Corporate Pilot
Program, as well as the Strategic Partnership and the Alliance Programs. On July 25, 2006, Stewart
Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA,
presented "OSHA Construction Update" and highlighted the Alliances that are impacting the
construction industry.
2006 Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference, Boise, Idaho, October 4 - 6, 2006
The Washington Group International's Michelle Steeler and Willie Piispanen were members of the
Planning Committee for the 2006 Intermountain Northwest Safety Conference that was held October 4 -
6, 2006 in Boise, ID. During the event, Van Howell, Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office, USDOL-OSHA
was the Technical Session chair. The Washington Group International was the sponsor for the
conference's OSHA technical track and also had an information booth during the event. More than 175
safety and health professionals participated in the three-day conference.
Safety Fest of the Great Northwest, Boise, Idaho, December 11 - 15, 2006
The Washington Group International, Associated General Contractors, the Idaho Department of
Technical Education, American Society of Safety Engineers and OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office
co-sponsored the second annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest December 11 - 15, 2006 at the
Washington Group International Corporate Headquarters in Boise, Idaho. Approximately 92 private
companies and 18 government and non-profit groups sent employees to the event who attended numerous
construction-related training classes free-of-charge. In addition, 24 construction-related companies
exhibited their products and services in a vendor area. More than 520 employers and employees
participated in the five day event; the majority of which were from Idaho but also included
attendees from 9 other states and Puerto Rico. During the event, 39 training classes were offered;
of which four classes were presented in Spanish.
On December 11, 2006, Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., USDOL-OSHA presented the Safety
Fest's opening address. In addition, Richard Terrill, Regional Administrator, Region X, participated
in the event on December 12, 2006.
Products
OSHA and Washington Group International Job Shadowing Program
The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Implementation Team continued its work on the
Alliance's Job Shadowing Program. The Washington Group International is reviewing its upcoming
projects for an appropriate opportunity for OSHA representatives to work with the company for one to
three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project. Projects that
are under consideration include the "Build Idaho" program through which all of Idaho's interstates
will be redeveloped.
- Promote and encourage the Washington Group International to participate in OSHA's cooperative
programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation and its
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
During the reporting year, the Washington Group International's Boise Corporate office, Monsanto
project, the Anniston DeMil and the Umatilla DeMil sites were recognized as OSHA VPP Star sites. In
addition, the Washington Group International became the sixth participant in the VPP Corporate Pilot
Program. A number of Washington Group International employees are also completing the required
training to become Special Government Employee (SGEs) and will be approved to assist as VPP onsite
evaluation team members. In addition, the company's Rocky Mountain Arsenal project hosted a SGE
training session in September 2006.
Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health Goals
- Develop and disseminate case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health and
publicize their results.
Washington Group International Designs and Builds a Mixed-Waste Treatment Facility,
Washington Group International Case Study
Though the Washington Group International's participation on the Alliance Program Construction
Roundtable's Design for Safety Workgroup, the company has been working with OSHA to develop a case
study describing how it incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the U.S.
Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho.
- Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on engineering
and construction industry issues to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide
input on safety and health issues.
Events
OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups
On July 8, 2004, representatives from the Washington Group International participated in the
Alliance Program's Construction Roundtable for construction-related national Alliances. The
Washington Group International has representatives on the Design for Safety and Fall Protection
Workgroups that were created during the roundtable meeting.
Design for Safety Workgroup – The Washington Group International is participating on the Design for
Safety Workgroup and helped develop a 2-4 Hour Design for Safety Training Course. The course is
based on the Design for Construction Safety slide presentation and provides technical information
for those that are interested learning more about designing for safety. In addition, the company has
been working with OSHA and the Workgroup to develop a case study describing how it incorporated its
design for safety process into the construction of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed
Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho. A Washington Group International representative attended
the Workgroup meetings on April 18, 2006, May 17, 2006 and October 24, 2006.
In addition, the Washington Group International is using information developed through the Workgroup
to implement a company training program; Safer Design in Construction. Rick Callor presented the
first training classes at the Washington Group International Denver Engineering office in June 2006.
Classes were also presented in Washington Group International offices in Princeton, NJ; Boise, ID;
Denver, CO; Bucharest, Romania; Birmingham, AL; and Cleveland, OH. Approximately 500 engineers,
estimators, and procurement personnel were trained in 2006.
Fall Protection Workgroup – The Washington Group International is participating
on the Fall Protection Workgroup and helped develop the "Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction
Industry" training program. The program is designed for construction industry audiences, including small
business owners, trainers, foreman and workers. In addition, the Workgroup is developing toolbox
talks for ladders that address issues such as "Do's and Don'ts of Using a Ladder", "Choosing the
Right Ladder" and "Set-Up and Use of a Ladder." A Washington Group International representative
attended the Workgroup meetings on January 31, 2006 and May 16, 2006.
- Executive Summary
Through the OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance, the organizations are continuing to
focus on developing training programs and sharing safety and health information and resources. In
addition, the successful collaborative relationship that the Washington Group International has
established with OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office continued throughout the reporting period. As a
result, both organizations agreed to renew the Alliance for two years and an agreement was signed on
February 16, 2006.
During the past year, OSHA and the Washington Group International worked with the Region X, Boise,
Idaho Area office to develop a 10 Hour OSHA Vocational Education Training Program that addresses
tools, equipment and machinery that are used in vocational education classes. In addition,
representatives from the Washington Group International and Region X, Boise, Idaho Area Office
worked together to teach an ASP/CSP Safety Fundamentals class.
In addition, OSHA and Washington Group International representatives continued to reach out to
numerous groups to make presentations on safety and health issues and programs. For example, on June
12, 2006 during the ASSE's Professional Development Conference, Safety 2006 in Seattle, Washington,
Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, USDOL-OSHA, and Brad Giles, Vice
President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group International,
participated in a panel roundtable; "OSHA Construction Update." In addition, Stewart Burkhammer and
Brad Giles participated in a panel presentation; "Designing for Construction Worker Safety" on June
14, 2006.
On July 24, 2006, during the Washington Group International's "Safety and Health Professional
Development Forum" also know as the Safety Workshop in Boise, Idaho, Paula White, Director,
Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Cooperative Program
Update" and discussed the Agency's Voluntary Protection Programs and its Corporate Pilot Program, as
well as the Strategic Partnership and the Alliance Programs. On July 25, 2006, Stewart Burkhammer,
Director, Office of Construction Services, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA Construction Update" and
highlighted the Alliances that are impacting the construction industry.
The second annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest was held December 11-15, 2006 in Boise, ID. It
was co-sponsored by the Washington Group International, Associated General Contractors, the Idaho
Department of Technical Education, American Society of Safety Engineers and OSHA's Region X Boise
Area Office. During the event, employees from approximately 92 private companies and 18 government
and non-profit groups attended numerous construction-related training classes free-of-charge. In
addition, 24 construction-related companies exhibited their products and services in a vendor area.
Also, on December 11, 2006, Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., USDOL-OSHA presented the
Safety Fest's opening address and Richard Terrill, Region X, Regional Administrator, participated in
the event on December 12, 2006.
The Washington Group International continues to provide its expertise to OSHA through serving on a
number of OSHA's Safety and Health Topics pages' editorial boards including Trenching and
Excavation, Workplace Violence, and Safety and Health Programs. In addition, representatives from
the Washington Group International continue to participate in the Alliance Program Construction
Roundtable's Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups. Through the Design for Safety
Workgroup, the Washington Group International worked with OSHA to develop a case study that
describes how the company incorporated its design for safety process into the construction of the
U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility in eastern Idaho.
The OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Implementation Team continued its work on the
Alliance's Job Shadowing Program. The company is reviewing its upcoming projects for an appropriate
opportunity for OSHA representatives to work with the Washington Group International for one to
three days on the planning and preliminary design phases of a construction project. Projects that
are under consideration include the "Build Idaho" program through which all of Idaho's interstates
will be redeveloped.
During the reporting year, the Washington Group International's Boise Corporate office, Monsanto
project, the Anniston DeMil and the Umatilla DeMil were recognized as VPP Star sites. In addition,
the Washington Group International became the sixth participant in the VPP Corporate Pilot Program.
A number of Washington Group International employees are also completing the required training to
become Special Government Employee (SGEs).
- Alliance Program Reach
| Type of Activity (Conference,
Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.) |
Number of Individuals Reached or
Trained |
| February 1, 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group
International Renew Alliance," OSHA News Release |
69 News Services |
| February 1, 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group
International Renew Alliance; Focus Continues on Areas of Cranes and Rigging, Hearing Protection
and Ergonomics," U.S. Newswire |
Data not available |
| February 6, 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group
International Renew Alliance," Safety Online |
Data not available |
| February 9, 2006, "OSHA Renews Washington Group
Alliance," BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter |
Data not available |
| February 15, 2006, "National Alliances Renewed," OSHA
QuickTakes |
52,000 |
| February 16, 2006, "National Alliances Renewed," News
for OSC |
Data not available |
| March 2006, "Safety Fest Addresses Construction
Worker Safety in the Northwest," Alliance Quarterly Review |
350 |
| Spring 2006, "OSHA, Washington Group Renew Alliance,
The Washington Way |
Data not available |
| April 2006, "OSHA Alliances," OSHA Up To Date |
Data not available |
June 12, 2006, ASSE's Professional Development
Conference, Safety, 2006, Seattle, Washington
"OSHA Construction Update"
Speakers:
Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction,
USDOL-OSHA
Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group
International |
70 |
June 14, 2006, ASSE's Professional Development
Conference, Safety, 2006, Seattle, Washington
"Designing for Construction Worker Safety"
Speakers:
Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction,
USDOL-OSHA
Brad Giles, Vice President for Environmental Safety, Health and Security, Washington Group
International |
65 |
July 24, 2006, Safety Workshop, "Safety and Health
Professional Development Forum," Boise, Idaho
"OSHA Cooperative Program Update"
Speaker:
Paula White, Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA |
200 |
July 25, 2006, Safety Workshop, "Safety and Health
Professional Development Forum," Boise, Idaho
"OSHA Construction Update"
Speaker:
Stewart Burkhammer, Director, Office of Construction Services, USDOL-OSHA |
200 |
December 11, 2006, Safety Fest of the Great
Northwest, Boise, Idaho
Speaker:
Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., USDOL-OSHA |
520 |
| OSHA Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety; Safety and
Health Topic page |
30,000 |
| OSHA Fall Protection Safety and Health Topics page |
30,000 |
| OSHA Safety and Health Programs Safety and Health
Topic page |
38,000 |
| OSHA Scaffolding Safety and Health Topic page |
47,000 |
| OSHA Silica, Crystalline Safety and Health Topic page |
34,000 |
| OSHA Toxic Metals Safety and Health Topic page |
30,000 |
| OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety and Health Topic
page |
27,000 |
| OSHA Workplace Violence Safety and Health Topic page |
22,000 |
| OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Web
page |
5,940 |
| Washington Group International Alliance Web page |
Data not available |
| TOTAL |
287,414 |
IV. Upcoming Milestones
OSHA and the Washington Group International will continue the Alliance's education and training and
outreach and communication efforts in the upcoming year. For example, the company will support the
Idaho Department of Education's Safety Training initiative and it will sponsor and hold the third
annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest.
In addition, OSHA staff from Region X will be invited to attend the company's 2007 Safety Workshop
in Boise, Idaho. Washington Group International staff will also speak to local and regional groups
about its participation in the Alliance Program and the company's successful safety and health
programs.
OSHA and the Washington Group International will continue working on the Alliance's Job Shadowing
Program and the company will review its upcoming projects to identify an appropriate opportunity for
OSHA representatives to take part in during the design phase. OSHA's Region X Boise Area Office will
work to identify sites for Washington Group International representatives to join its staff as
worksite reviews of OSHA's Strategic Partnership's participants are conducted.
The Washington Group International will also attend the Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's
Fall Protection and Design for Safety Workgroups meetings. Through the Design for Safety Workgroup,
the case study about the company's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility project that successfully
incorporated safety during the project's design phase will be finalized. The case study will be
posted on OSHA's Web site in 2007. In addition, Rick Callor will present the Washington Group
International's course that was developed using information from the Workgroup's "Designing for
Construction Safety" slide presentation to OSHA staff and Alliance Program representatives.
In addition, the Washington Group International will continue to work to have its worksites
recognized as VPP Star sites. For example, the Pine Bluff Arsenal site has completed the draft
application for VPP under the agency's Corporate Pilot Program. This application will be submitted
to OSHA in 2007.
Report prepared by: Lisa Ramber, OSHA and Washington Group International Alliance Coordinator,
February 8, 2007
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Printing
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