Safety Partnership Marks Milestone at Major Illinois Construction Project
A year-long collaboration between OSHA, state agencies, labor leaders, and contractors showcases how integrated safety efforts can shape workplace culture and outcomes in high-risk industries.
The Illinois Department of Labor’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program joined with OSHA’s Chicago South Area Office, Pepper Construction Company, and the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council to mark the successful completion of the Hollywood Casino Joliet construction project, highlighting the results of a year-long OSHA Strategic Partnership focused on worker safety.
“Our partnership exemplifies what’s possible when employers, labor, and government work together to prioritize safety,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “By embedding a culture of prevention and vigilance from day one, we helped ensure that thousands of hours of construction work were completed with minimal injuries and maximum care for worker wellbeing.”
The partnership, launched in mid-2024, aimed to reduce injuries and illnesses on-site through proactive strategies such as daily safety trainings, frequent walkthroughs, and hazard mitigation. More than 1,600 workers completed safety orientation as part of the program, with minimal recorded injuries throughout the project.
“This project demonstrated the real value of proactive safety practices—particularly in commercial construction, one of the most hazardous industries,” said Ed LeFevour, Safety Supervisor for Illinois On-Site Safety and Health Consultation.
Training sessions covered key risks, including crane operations, fall prevention, electrical safety, and emergency response. Safety professionals from all organizations collaborated closely throughout the construction phase.
“Getting the ‘Voice of the Worker’ is a critical step when creating a healthy safety culture,” said Dan Ruane, Vice President of Safety at Pepper Construction. “We formed a team that anticipated risks, walked the site together, and ensured those plans were followed. This was a great experience for our team, and we look forward to continuing that momentum.”
Al Jotautas, Safety Director for the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, added that the partnership model helped “create a positive culture among the workforce by making safety part of a daily routine—for the present and into the future.”
Illinois businesses—especially small to mid-sized—are encouraged to take advantage of the free and confidential services provided by IDOL’s On-Site Consultation Program. For more information, visit the WorkSafe website.
The On-Site Consultation Program is part of the federal 21(d) cooperative agreement, with 90% of funding provided by OSHA and 10% by the State of Illinois.