[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  COMMENDING OSHA, REGION 5 AND THE OHIO VALLEY CHAPTER OF ASSOCIATED 
                        BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2000

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, as we move into the 21st century it is 
crucial for us to re-examine our work place laws to enhance cooperation 
between Federal and State regulators and employers and employees. For 
our economy to remain strong in the global marketplace we must 
encourage this participation between Federal regulators and employers 
and employees to ensure compliance and understanding of safety and 
health standards.
  I want to commend the foresight of the region 5, Occupational Safety 
and Health Administration and the Ohio Valley Chapter of Associated 
Builders and Contractors to form a partnership that recognizes the 
importance of safe and healthful work environments for the construction 
industry. Their cooperation is a model for promoting the shared 
strategies and objectives. Accordingly, I submit the Partnering Charter 
to be placed in the Congressional Record.

   Partnering Charter Between the United States Department of Labor 
  Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Region 5, Cincinnati 
  Area Office and the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Ohio 
                             Valley Chapter

       The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety 
     and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Associated Builders 
     and Contractors, Inc., Ohio Valley Chapter (ABC) mutually 
     recognize the importance of providing a safe and healthful 
     work environment for the Nation's construction workforce. To 
     advance our mutual goal, we strongly agree on the need to 
     develop a working relationship that fosters mutual trust and 
     respect for each organization's respective role in the 
     construction safety process. We recognize and embrace the 
     responsibilities inherent in those roles. We are committed to 
     work as partners to achieve construction workplace safety 
     through the following shared strategies and objectives:
       1. Implement continuing and open communication policy 
     between OSHA and ABC at all area, regional, chapter and 
     national levels, in a manner that encourages respect and 
     understanding.
       2. Share knowledge of the best industry technology, 
     innovations and work practices that improve jobsite safety 
     and health performance.
       3. Cooperate in the development and continuous improvement 
     of safety training programs for the construction industry and 
     OSHA personnel.
       4. Promote recognition for construction safety excellence 
     throughout the industry at every opportunity.
       5. Ensure that enforcement policies and practices are 
     effective, consistent and fair.
       6. Promote principles of good faith and fair dealings as 
     the foundation of our relationships.
       7. Recognize and honor the Safety Partnership STEP Platinum 
     Incentive Program for a period of three years.
       8. Recognize that either party to the partnership may 
     withdraw from the agreement at any time after submitting 
     written notification of intent to the other partner.
       Agreed this day, February 11, 2000: Michael G. Connors, 
     Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Labor OSHA, Region 
     V, Chicago; William M. Murphy, Area Director, U.S. Department 
     of Labor OSHA, Cincinnati Area Office; Kathleen L. Somers, 
     CAE, Executive Director, Associated Builders & Contractors, 
     Inc., Ohio Valley Chapter; Dennis Nutley, President, 
     Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., Ohio Valley Chapter.

     

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