March 30, 2016

Participants: U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, The National Electrical Contractors Association Center Ohio Chapter, (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union 683 and 1105 (IBEW)

Background: The National Electrical Contractors Association Central Ohio Chapter, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Unions 683 and 1105 and OSHA established a partnership to improve electrical worker safety. The partnership will emphasize electrical safe work practices, training, enforcement policies and sharing of best practices among contractors.

Participating employers vow to maintain Days, Away, Restricted or Transfer (DART) and the Total Cases Incident Rate (TCIR) injury and illness rates below Bureau of Labor Statistics data for electrical contractors. Contractors will focus on electrical safety, falls, struck-by and caught between hazards* and adopt the use of an industry standard checklist designed to exceed OSHA requirements when working energized circuits. Participants will meet quarterly for training, sharing of best practices and evaluation.

QUOTES: “We’re excited about continuing this partnership with the NECA/IBEW after over ten years of success, because we know efforts like these improve workplace safety by fostering education, training teamwork and prevention on the job site,” said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA’s area director in Columbus.

The Strategic Partnership Program provides opportunities for OSHA to partner with employers, workers, professional or trade associations, labor organizations, and other interested stakeholders. OSHA Strategic Partnerships are unique agreements designed to encourage, assist, and recognize partner efforts to eliminate serious hazards and enhance workplace safety and health practices. OSHA Strategic Partnerships establish specific goals, strategies, and performance measures to improve worker safety and health.

The Columbus OSHA Area Office renewed their partnership with Central Ohio NECA and IBEW locals 683 and 1105 on March 22, 2016 at The Electrical Trades Center in Columbus, Ohio. Back Row Left to Right: Randy Butcher, Atlas Industrial Electric Co,Bob Shonkwiler, The Superior Group, Steve Lipster, Director, The Electrical Trades Center, Brian Dew, Mid-City Electric Co.Dave Fetters, Royal Electric Construction Corp. .Front Row: Melissa Linton, Compliance Assistance Specialist, OSHA, John E. Moore, Business Manager, IBEW LU 683, Deborah Zubaty, Area Director, OSHA, Brian Damant, Chapter Manager, Central Ohio Chapter, NECA, Dennis Nicodemus, President, IBEW LU 683