November 30, 2001—US Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced November 20, a new partnership with the City of New York, contractors, and other organizations to protect the safety and health of thousands of workers at the World Trade Center disaster site. The WTC Emergency Project Partnership Agreement formalizes a commitment to safety and health among contractors, employees, employee representatives, and governmental agencies participating in the emergency response efforts in lower Manhattan.
In addition to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), participants in the partnership are: the New York City Department of Design and Construction and the Fire Department of New York (co-Incident Commanders); Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York; Building Trades Employers’ Association; Contractors Association of Greater New York; General Contractors Association; and the four prime contractors at the WTC site: AMEC Construction Management, Inc.; Bovis Lend Lease LMB, Inc.; Tully Construction Co., Inc.; and Turner/Plaza Construction Joint Venture.
The partnership agreement outlines a cooperative effort to ensure a safe work environment. New safety and health initiatives have already begun, including a new site orientation training program that familiarizes workers with potential hazards and personal protective equipment requirements.
