Strategic Partnership between OSHA and Will County ensures Courthouse project will be a safe work environment

A Strategic Partnership agreement was recently signed by Will County Executive Larry Walsh, Gilbane Building Company, and the Chicago South Area Office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in recognition of the importance of providing a safe and healthy work environment for workers in the construction industry. This is especially significant as it relates to the Will County Courthouse Project in downtown Joliet, which is anticipated for completion in September 2020.

“This is a very exciting time for Will County as we are engaged in the largest capital campaign in our county’s history,” Walsh said. “While we are committed to completing our courthouse in a timely, cost-effective manner, we also remain committed to ensuring the safety of the men and women who are working so diligently to complete this project.”
In addition to Gilbane and OSHA, this agreement includes Three Rivers Construction Alliance and the Will & Grundy Counties Building Trades Council. Both of these organizations represent the local union groups involved with this project. The partnership agreement addresses the prevention of construction hazards such as falls, electrical safety, material handling, ladder safety, and noise hazards. There will be approximately 150 to 200 employees on site during the main construction phase.
“This agreement is a very proactive approach to ensure the utmost safety for the workers on this job site,” said Tom White with Three Rivers Construction Alliance. “This agreement calls for Gilbane and OSHA to walk the job site on a regular basis to ensure safety for the workers.”
Other strategies include daily Safety and Quality meetings to promote a cooperative relationship between labor and management to encourage employees to maintain a safe workplace.
“This is one of the largest projects in Will County right now, both literally and figuratively,” said Walsh. “This new courthouse has created hundreds of local jobs and is changing the
landscape of downtown Joliet. Together with our partners, Will County wants to get the job done in the safest manner possible.”
For more information about OSHA regulations, visit the website: www.osha.gov.

Cutline: Will County Executive Larry Walsh (middle) was joined by Kathy Webb, Area Director for OSHA and Adam Jelen, Senior Vice President for Gilbane Building Company (on right), Jason Cox from Three Rivers Construction Alliance, and representatives from Illinois On-Site Construction, and the Will Grundy Counties Building Trades Council in signing the OHSA Strategic Partnership Agreement to ensure a safe and healthy work environment at the Will County Courthouse project.

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