Prairie State Wire

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program (On-Site) is set to conduct a joint training with the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Lakeside Alliance Joint Venture, in observance of the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction.

The joint training, which is slated for May 9 at the future site of the Obama Presidential Center, will involve approximately 350 workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlighted the significance of the event by stating, "fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 395 of the 1069 construction fatalities recorded in 2022."

Industrial Hygiene Supervisor Mica Chunes emphasized the preventable nature of these fatalities, stating, "The vast majority of these deaths are preventable. Proper education and training about fall hazards can go a long way toward preventing fall injuries and fatalities."

The On-Site program encourages small- to medium-sized businesses in Illinois to take advantage of the free and confidential services offered, aiming to provide safety and health advice to businesses dedicated to enhancing workplace safety and health. The program's 21(d) On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement is primarily funded by a federal grant, with ten percent of the budget being covered by State funds.

For inquiries regarding the On-Site consultation program, individuals can contact 800-972-4216, send an email to dol.consultation@illinois.gov, or visit the program's official website for more information.