OSHA has signed an unprecedented strategic safety partnership with five of the nation's largest electrical construction contractors, two key industry trade associations and a union that represents more than 750,000 members nationwide in a coalition formed to reduce injuries and fatalities of workers in the electrical transmission and distribution contracting industry.

The partnership unites OSHA with five electrical contractors: MYR Group Inc., Henkels & McCoy Inc., Pike Electric Inc., Quanta Services Inc., and Utility Services Inc.; and three key industry organizations: National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Edison Electric Institute (EEI), and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

The partnership leverages the resources of the partners to anticipate, identify, evaluate and control health and safety hazards associated with electrical transmission and distribution work. Part of the goal is to provide consensus best practice solutions to reduce or eliminate the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the transmission and distribution electrical construction contracting industry.

The parties will share information on lessons learned and mutually agreed upon best practices with others in the industry. Their findings will also be publicized through individual training programs and materials. Additionally, the organizations will develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media, including the use of electronic-assistance tools and their respective websites.

The partnership encourages participation in the safety process by industry members, workers and other interested parties.