
In a June 23, 2014 news release, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a partnership between OSHA (the DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the Habitat for Humanity Omaha affiliate, as part of OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program.
Omaha’s association with OSHA began more than three years ago, shortly after OSHA announced a rule change regarding fall protection for residential construction. The alliance served as a means to enhance Omaha’s safety program and increase safety awareness amongst their staff, volunteers, and subcontractor partners. The three year agreement provided opportunities for no-cost training by OSHA professionals in a host of safety related topics common in residential construction projects, including a focus on fall prevention.
As the initial partnership came to an end in 2014, the affiliate decided to enter into a full Partnership Agreement with OSHA. Under this new agreement Omaha will be required to maintain the OSHA 300 series forms and develop a Fall Protection Plan.
“They [OSHA] will help us enhance our safety manual, as well as continue to provide no-cost 10 and 30-hour training, “non-enforcement” site inspections and provide technical assistance as needed, all to continue to increase employee, volunteer, and subcontractor awareness,” Dan Brewer, Director of Property Acquisition, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.
The first training session to come out of the partnership agreement will commence in late August.
Omaha builds and rehabs an average of 50 homes each year, and engages in an additional 100+ repair and demolition projects. This endeavor will serve their community well!
The Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Insurance Program congratulates the Omaha Habitat for Humanity affiliate team on this endeavor. This voluntary partnership is a testament to their commitment to safety.