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Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Partners with Coakley & Williams Construction to Make Maryland Worksites Safer

BALTIMORE (June 7, 2018) – This week, Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH), part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation’s Division of Labor and Industry, welcomed Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc. as a partner in the Strategic Partnership for Excellence in Construction Safety (SPECS) program. SPECS is a pilot program of a new strategic partnership between MOSH and Maryland chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) that seeks to reduce the number of serious injuries, illnesses, and fatalities affecting contractor employees by encouraging general contractors and subcontractors to develop exceptional safety and health management systems.

“The process of workplace safety begins with education, and is sustained through support, encouragement, and recognition,” said Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “The SPECS program helps ensure healthy worksites by increasing communication between MOSH and employers, and incentivizing those employers for their effective and successful safety and health management systems. Together, we are making Maryland a safer place to work.”

Recognizing the importance of safe and healthful work environments in the construction industry, SPECS acknowledges those construction employers who go beyond basic compliance with all applicable MOSH standards, and provides mentorship to those seeking a higher level of safety and health program.

SPECS benefits construction partners by providing for a safer working environment for employees, increasing communication with MOSH, providing community and industry recognition from ABC and MOSH, reducing project expenses by eliminating penalties and litigation cost for promptly abated alleged hazards, and more.

Further, the SPECS application process relies on peer review by other contractors as a first step, which allows contractors to share resources and best practices within the construction industry at large. In this way, SPECS improves existing safety and health programs throughout the state.

“We appreciate Coakley & Williams’ demonstrated commitment to robust safety programs. This makes them an ideal partner in championing safe workplace practices throughout Maryland,” said Labor and Industry Commissioner Matthew Helminiak. “We are excited to welcome them to SPECS, and know that their example will show other contractors the benefits of partnering with MOSH. We share the goal of employee safety and believe our partnership programs are effective ways to increase jobsite safety.”

Established in 1961, Coakley & Williams Construction is regarded as one of the preeminent contractors in Maryland and the greater Washington metropolitan area. Focused on base building, interiors, and renovations, their portfolio includes office, multi-family, hospitality, municipalities, education, and retail projects. They have previously partnered with MOSH in several Cooperative Compliance Partnerships (CCP). SPECS provides them with a new opportunity to partner on projects with smaller duration than traditional CCPs.

To become an eligible SPECS contractor, partners must:

  • Be a contractor or subcontractor on a Maryland jobsite.
  • Be an ABC member and meet the requirements of the ABC Step Program Gold Level or higher.
  • Provide a designated representative with responsibility, authority, and capability to implement site safety and health programs.
  • Submit an application for review and a worksite evaluation.
  • Have a safety and health management system that includes leadership and employee engagement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety training.
  • Meet safety performance criteria (TRCR/ DART rates and/or EMR rates).

Learn more about the Strategic Partnership for Excellence in Construction Safety program by calling 410-527-4469.

About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.

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