OSHA’s Wichita Area Office has launched a local special emphasis program in Kansas aimed at reducing workplace hazards on construction projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).

"The hazards associated with the construction industry are well recognized, especially on large projects involving highways, bridges, new building construction, and existing building renovation and demolition operations,” said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "OSHA's Wichita Area Office will devote resources to outreach and enforcement activities for employers of Recovery Act-funded sites in Kansas to help ensure worksites are safe and healthful.”

Under the program, OSHA will develop a special emphasis list of jobsites specifically funded by the Recovery Act. Due to the mobility of employers in the construction industry, the transitory nature of construction sites and the fact that sites often involve more than one employer, inspections will target specific jobsites rather than specific employers. All employers active at a selected jobsite will be included in the inspection activity.

For more information, call OSHA's Wichita Area Office at 316-269-6644 or toll-free at 800-362-2896.