[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN RECOGNITION OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE OHIO VALLEY CHAPTER OF THE 
              ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS AND OSHA

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                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2000

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the partnership the Ohio 
Valley Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. 
recently forged with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
(OSHA). These two groups have mutually recognized the importance of 
providing a safe work environment for our nation's construction 
workforce.
  I am pleased to see the federal government and the private sector 
working so closely toward a common goal--worker safety and health. As 
part of this innovative partnership, participating contractors from the 
Ohio Valley chapter will voluntarily improve their current safety and 
health programs and adhere to a more stringent set of standards. In 
return, OSHA will recognize contractors who have demonstrated exemplary 
safety records.
  According to the agreement, ABC and OSHA will take positive steps 
together, such as: maintaining an open communications policy at the 
regional, chapter, and national levels; sharing knowledge of the best 
industry technology, innovations, and practices that improve safety; 
cooperating in the development and improvement of safety programs; 
ensuring that policies and practices are effective, consistent, and 
fair; and promoting the principles of good faith and fair dealings.
  This agreement is good for ABC contractors, OSHA, and most 
importantly, workers on the job site. I firmly believe that commonsense 
partnerships such as these, characterized by cooperation and 
communication, will best serve those it was meant to help--the worker.

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