Associated Builders and Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter (ABC) signed a new Partnership Agreement with the Philadelphia, Allentown and Wilkes-Barre Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offices at its training center in Harleysville, Pa.

“ABC members are committed to providing a safe workplace for our employees,” said Wayne Elk, ABC safety committee chairman and safety manager at Boro Construction in King of Prussia, Pa. “The OSHA Partnership and mentor events provide valuable education and training to help us reduce or eliminate jobsite accidents.”

This new agreement continues a relationship with the local offices of the federal agency that began with the execution of the chapter’s first partnership agreement in 2001. Since then there has been a measurable reduction in workplace injuries among the participating companies.

In 2006, with 17 member companies participating, ABC reported 118 incidents and a collective 4.7 Days Away, Restricted and Transferred (DART) rate. Today, with 26 companies participating, ABC has reduced incidents to only 58 with a DART rate of 2.3.

“Our partnership with ABC has produced exceptional results,” said Scott Shimandle, compliance assistance officer with the Allentown OSHA office. “It is rewarding to know that together we are eliminating hazards in the workplace.”

The OSHA Partnership is based on ABC’s nationally recognized Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) assessment and award. The OSHA Partnership also has been a source of free safety training for all ABC members through quarterly mentor events. ABC’s next OSHA mentor events will focus on fall protection and are scheduled for June 8 at the ABC Training Center in Harleysville and July 26 at the ServPro office in Allentown. For complete information on becoming an OSHA Partner or participating in the safety committee contact John Judge at 610/279-6666.

For more information, visit

www.abceastpa.org.