Damage Prevention Council in Ohio Renews Pact with OSHA
Workers involved in trenching and excavation operations in the Greater Columbus area can expect continued efforts to keep them safe on the job following an alliance renewal by OSHA and the Greater Columbus Damage Prevention Council. The renewed alliance requires both organizations to contribute to the development of training courses and materials on safe trenching and delivery of the courses to appropriate audiences. Further, the groups will share resources and information to raise awareness and commitment to workplace safety and health.
"This alliance has been very successful in that there have been no fatalities from a trench or excavation cave-in incident in central Ohio since we signed the original alliance two years ago," said OSHA Area Director Deborah Zubaty in Columbus, Ohio. "With that said, we cannot rest on our laurels. We must stay vigilant in preventing cave-ins and keeping workers safe."
OSHA and GCDPC will share information through participation in a variety of forums throughout Ohio. The alliance will concentrate efforts to improve safety by reducing serious injuries resulting from cave-ins, electrocutions, fires, road work-zones, and other utility work hazards. The alliance will place special emphasis on emergency preparedness and response activities related to restoring utility services quickly and safely following a major disaster.
GCDPC was created to bring together underground facility operators, government agencies, excavators, industry associations, and service providers to address the goals of reducing damage to underground facilities, providing cooperation relating to and coordination of construction activities, and improving communication, involvement, and commitment to these goals.