Home builders join safety partnership program

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield began a partnership program in January with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The program serves as a way for OSHA to promote awareness of the latest building site regulations.

Addie Walters, director of member services for HBA, said there are two companies that already have applied and been approved for the program: Cornerstone Cottages and Homes by Sam Watts Inc.

To be approved for the program, builders must show proof of completed OSHA certification training. They also must be below a certain experience modification rate, which measures workers’ compensation claims.

Builder Sam Watts said when he found out the program was being offered, he didn’t hesitate to sign up.

“There’s not enough attention paid to safety to start with, and then there’s a lot of misconceptions about what is and isn’t an OSHA regulation,” Watts said. “Plus, it’s a free service that OSHA provides, and I think it’s a good idea to take advantage of any free services the government offers, especially if they’re going to increase your safety on the job.”

See the June 12 issue of SBJ for more information on the OSHA/HBA program.