Workplace Safety Press Releases

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Signs Alliance with Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus to Keep Builders Safe—12/19/2007

Reducing and preventing injuries among Habitat for Humanity's volunteer home builders are the goals of an alliance between the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus.

“Working together to share best practices, and to develop and implement safety and health training to these dedicated people is an easy call,” said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director in Columbus. “If we can provide them with the knowledge and ability to anticipate, identify and eliminate work-related hazards, we can go a long way toward eliminating job-related injuries.”

Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus was established in 1987 as an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and since then has built more than 193 houses throughout greater Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio. There are plans for the construction of 18 homes in 2008.

E.J. Thomas, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus, said, “The joint signing of this agreement formalizes our commitment to ensure that safety remains paramount throughout all phases of the construction of Habitat homes for our partner families.”

OSHA safety and health alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao's ongoing efforts to improve the safety and health of employees through cooperative programs. OSHA currently has more than 450 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

Occupational Safey and Health Administration. "U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA signs alliance with Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus to keep builders safe." [http://osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=14875]. 12/19/2007.