The Illinois Department of Labor’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, in collaboration with the Chicago South Area Office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Pepper Construction Company, and the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, has marked the successful completion of the Hollywood Casino Joliet construction project. This achievement highlights their effective OSHA Strategic Partnership.
“Our partnership exemplifies what’s possible when employers, labor, and government work together to prioritize safety,” stated IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. The partnership aimed to minimize injuries during construction by promoting a culture focused on prevention and vigilance.
Launched in mid-2024, this initiative concentrated on reducing risks through worker training, regular site inspections, safety walkthroughs, and hazard mitigation strategies. “More than 1,600 workers went through safety orientation,” noted Ed LeFevour from Illinois On-Site Safety and Health Consultation. He emphasized the value of proactive safety measures in commercial construction.
Throughout the project duration, daily safety training sessions were conducted. These included monthly trainings on crane operations, working safely from heights, electrical safety, and emergency preparedness.
“This partnership created an engaged group of leaders from the DOL, OSHA, Pepper and most of all, our trade partners,” commented Dan Ruane from Pepper Construction. He stressed the importance of incorporating workers’ perspectives into creating a healthy safety culture.
Al Jotautas from the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council added that teamwork fostered a positive culture by integrating safety into daily routines.
Illinois small- to medium-sized businesses are encouraged to utilize free consultations offered by the On-Site program for enhancing workplace safety practices. More information is available via phone at 800-972-4216 or email at dol.consultation@illinois.gov.
The 21(d) On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement is supported by a federal grant covering 90% of its budget with state funds contributing the remaining 10%.
