Boston, MA The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety (MDOS), and the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts (ASM), recently renewed an alliance to promote workplace safety and health and educate workers on construction hazards.

The agreement will provide ASM members - particularly specialty contractors, suppliers and service providers in the commercial construction industry - with information, guidance and educational resources to help protect employees’ health and safety. Alliance participants will focus on preventing exposures to scaffolding, lead and silica hazards, and increasing awareness of fall protection and electrical safety. MDOS and ASM will also support OSHA safety and health campaigns, and other initiatives.

“OSHA’s alliance with the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety and the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts demonstrates the positive impact a comprehensive safety and health management system can have when management and labor come together to ensure employee safety in a high-hazard work environment,” said James Mulligan, OSHA Braintree area office director.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA fosters collaborative relationships with groups committed to worker safety and health, such as trade and professional organizations, unions, consulates, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses, and educational institutions, to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. Alliance partners help OSHA reach targeted audiences, such as employers and workers in high-hazard industries and give them better access to workplace safety and health tools and information.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. Visit the OSHA web site to learn more.