Alabama Struck By Alliance

Alabama Struck By Alliance
What is the Alabama Struck By Alliance
Struck By Alliance Fact Sheet
Many firms, agencies, organizations and associations have begun to participate annually during National Work Zone Awareness in an effort to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety as well as to mobility issues in work zones.  In Alabama, the activities include posting newsletter articles, giving poster presentations, conducting safety stand downs, and placing billboards alongside the highways. Many of these activities  are coordinated by the Alabama Struck By Alliance. The Alliance is an organization of business persons and governmental officials who share information and conduct activities to promote the safe travel and operations in and around the work zones along the highways in the state. 

National Work Zone Awareness Week April 26-30, 2021

Please help us raise public awareness of the need to RESPECT and KEEP SAFE ALL who Work and Drive in America’s roadway Work Zones.   “Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.”


This year we have recruited “Millie” the AlabamaAGC Work Zone Safety Dog and some of her friends to help us get this message out to the public.    Please help us share her message to Slow Down and Drive Alert through Work Zones because Distracted Drivers Kill!
Please Host a Safety Talk anytime during APRIL addressing Work Zone Safety.

Your company may not be involved in building roads –
BUT your employees drive to and from work everyday;
and many are driving company vehicles. 

Click link to download a Work Zone Safety  2021 Tool Box Talk     Please note that all of the
slides may not be relevant to your company, but you can pick and choose the information
as it relates to all drivers!

Please Share our Messages on Facebook.
For More information, please contact us:   staff@agcmobile.org

 

Last year AGC of America released the 2020 Survey Highlighting the Dangers that Workers Face in Highway Construction.   Based on their findings, Association officials called for new measures to protect motorists and workers at highway construction sites, but cited that the easiest way to improve work zone safety was to get motorists to slow down and pay attention and urged motorists to obey posted speed limits and keep their eyes on the road and OFF their PHONES.

Steve McGough, President and CFO of HCSS (a national construction technology firm) said “The importance of work zone safety can be measured by the lives that it saves.  Saving the lives of our greatest asset, our people, has to come first in the
planning and execution of work every day.”

 

Millie & Mo  

In AlabamaAGC’s ongoing efforts to bring attention to the importance of Work Zone Safety “Millie”, a Labrador Retriever, owned by Morris King with Vulcan Materials was named AGC’s  “Work Zone Safety Dog” to help get this important message out to motorist and workers.

Morris King noted that Safety Posters are often overlooked and seldom talked about.  He offered to help AGC create a series of messages that could capture the attention of both motorists and workers by featuring his “service dog” —Millie.  He felt that the appearance of Millie on these posters could bring an element of surprise creating conversation about injury prevention and lifesaving behaviors.   Millie has now posed for a series of photos which are being used on AlabamaAGC’s  Work Zone Awareness social media campaign, and is being featured on this year’s Work Zone Awareness Billboard courtesy of Lamar Advertising throughout Alabama.

Charlotte Kopf, manager for Mobile Section, AlabamaAGC said “Millie has more credentials and achievement than most people I know”,  she serves as a Certified Complex Therapy Dog working in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit at USA Health Hospital in Mobile, AL. and a Critical Response Therapy Team Dog where she is able to assist first responders and victims of natural or manmade disasters with stress relief and coping with loss.  She also serves as a Therapy Dog for Saad Hospice and Inpatient Retreat Facility in Mobile, Alabama.
Millie also serves as a Reading Assistance Dog  helping children improve their literacy skills, by reducing anxiety when reading aloud. Her inspirational story of work and achievements was featured in the February 2021 issue of Hunting Retriever Magazine.
Along with all of these “social achievements” Millie  is also a United Kennel Club Hunting Retriever Champion, an American Kennel Club Senior Hunter, and a Canine Good Citizen.

Kopf said, “Millie and Morris have been an inspiration throughout all that has been involved in creating this safety campaign.  It’s amazing how one little dog and her owner can have such a big impact on so many.”

King said that Millie’s adventures have impacted him most of all and inspired him to write and publish a children’s book with Millie as the main character  inspiring children to chase their dreams, “Millie and Mo Dream Big”.   “Our lives are made richer and more meaningful through our dog’s intelligence and loyalty.  Dogs help us overcome the boundaries we sometimes set for ourselves, and Millie has taught me to always be ready for the next unexpected journey.”

You can see pictures of Millie’s adventures on Instagram@Millie_USA_Therapy_Dog

 

2020 National Work Zone Awareness Week
The theme for  2020 National Work Zone Awareness Week  is “SAFE Work Zones for All.  This national event was created to focus attention on work zone safety and work zone workers. Since the creation of the national campaign the number of work zone fatalities has dropped significantly.   Please help us to continue this downward trend by Participating in our  Awareness Campaign by hosting a tool box talk anytime during that week or the month of April.    Below you will find a sample Tool Box Talk for your use.

2020-NWZS-Tool-Box-Talk-Draft-2

 

Alabama AGC, as part of the Alabama Struck By Alliance will participate in a statewide Safety Stand Down in  recognition of  National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week  April 20-24,2020.We are asking you to join us by hosting a safety meeting on one of the days during that week (or anytime during the month of April)  to make your employees aware of the importance that the construction industry places on Work Zone SAFETY.

This year’s National focus is  “Safe Work Zones for All”

The initiative is asking that we get the message of  the importance of
SAFE “Undistracted” driving through a Work Zone.

Your company may not be involved in building roads – BUT your
employees drive to and from work everyday; and many are driving
company vehicles.  Please ask that they Drive Safely through
Work Zones…and to always EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!!

In an effort to have an idea of how many employees participate in this National Event, we are asking
that each company register using the  attached registration form. It will not take more than a few moments
to fill out this form.  
2020 Struck By Safety Stand Down Registration form

 

Help us keep Safety as Our Number 1 Priority
and Help protect YOUR Employees!

 

2019 National Work Zone Awareness Week April 8-12, 2019.

Please join Alabama Struck By Alliance  in a statewide Safety Stand Down in recognition of
National Work Zone Awareness Week.

We are asking you to join us by hosting a safety meeting on one of the days during that week (or anytime during the month of April)  to make your employees aware of the importance that the  construction industry places on Work Zone SAFETY.

This year’s National focus is  “Drive Like YOU Work Here!”

The initiative is asking that we get the message of  the importance of
SAFE “Undistracted” driving through a Work Zone.

Your company may not be involved in building roads – BUT your
employees drive to and from work everyday; and many are driving
company vehicles.  Please ask that they Drive Safely through
Work Zones…and to always EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!!

In an effort to give OSHA an idea of how many employees participate in this National Event, we are asking that each company
to register using the attached registration form. It will not take more than a few moments
to fill out this form.  Click link to download:  2019 Struck By Safety Stand Down Registration Form

2019-NWZS-Tool-Box-Talk Revised March

Help us keep Safety as Our Number 1 Priority and
Help protect YOUR Employees
!

2016 National Work Zone Awareness Week
Over 11,000 employees throughout Alabama participated in the 2016 Alabama Struck By Alliance’s Safety Stand Down
held in conjunction with National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week during April. Appreciation is extended to all the companies who took the time and effort to train their employees on Work Zone Safety.Appreciation is extended to Lamar Advertising for donating billboards across the state urging Alabama to Drive Safely. It is estimated that over 1 million motorist were reached during this campaign.
DRIVE SAFE ALABAMA!!!

2016 Tool Box Talk for Struck By Safety Stand Down

 

2015 National Work Zone Awareness Week
March 23-27, 2015
2015 Work Zone Safety
Survey Results
Forty-six percent of highway contractors reported that motor vehicles had crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged summer travel motorists to stay alert while driving through work zones, noting that drivers and passengers are more likely than highway workers to be hurt or killed in work zone accidents. – See more at: https://www.agc.org/news/2015/05/20/construction-group-calls-better-safety-measures-new-data-shows-nearly-half-road#sthash.KEiIbZS1.dpufAlabama Struck By Alliance
The Alabama Struck By Alliance performed many activities to
call attention to the  2015 National Work Zone Awareness Week .
A total of 50 different activities were performed by 25 individual
members of the Alliance.  The activities carried the message
of “Expect the Unexpected” to more than 22,000 persons in
Alabama and those passing through.
The outreach activities were carried out before, during
and after the actual dates of the designated week.
 
AGC Survey finds 68% of Highway Contractors Had Vehicles Crash Into Their Construction Work Zone during the Past Year
More than two-thirds of highway contractors responding to a new Associated General Contractors of America survey say that motor vehicles crashed into their work zones over the past 12 months and almost one-fifth
reported construction-worker fatalities in those accidents.
AGC of America released the survey today, near the start of National Work Zone Awareness Week, a joint industry-government effort to put a spotlight on the dangers on highway job sites and reduce fatalities and injuries. There has been progress. According to U.S. Dept. of Transportation statistics, there were 576 deaths in highway work zones in 2010, the most recent data available, down 15% from 2009s total of 680 and far below the 1,006 fatalities recorded in 2006.
Brian Turmail, an AGC of America spokesman, says, Any improvement is something wed very much welcome.
He credits efforts by government and law-enforcement officials to urge motorists to drive more safely in job sites and also says many contractors are taking pretty aggressive actions to protect their workers. But he adds,Were not going to stop until the fatality number is zero and injury number is zero, if we can get it there.
One surprising finding of the AGC survey was that construction workers were slightly more likely to die in vehicular work zone accidents than motorists were. Specifically, 18% of contractors responding to the survey said they had workers die in highway jobsite accidents and 15% of firms said there were driver or passenger fatalities in such crashes. But US DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said in an April 23
blog posting that 10% to 15% of work zone deaths were workers and 85% to 90% were motorists or passengers. Turmail said that portion of the AGC survey findings caught us by surprise.  We did not expect that.”
 

Alabama Struck By Alliance Goals

The Alabama Struck-By Alliance has far reaching goals, from making employees aware of the hazards in their working environment; to training OSHAs compliance officers to understand MUTCD; to working with contractors to make their jobsites a safer place for employees to work; and to making drivers education students and motorists aware of the dangers involved in roadway work zones. 

The Alliance strives to make construction employers,
employees, and motorists, aware of the hazards involved in roadway work zones in Alabama.

History of the Alabama Struck By Alliance

AlabamaAGC is signatory to the Alabama Struck-By Alliance with OSHA along with several other associations in an attempt to address the serious issue of struck-by fatalities in work zones. An alliance is a special OSHA program that allows industry to collaborate with OSHA in a non-enforcement arena. Alliance goals include training and education, outreach and communication and the promotion of a national dialogue on workplace safety and health.

Since 2001, the Alliance has grown to include the following entities:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA -Alabama  Offices)
Alabama – Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.
Alabama Road Builders Association, Inc.
Safe State of Alabama
Alabama Department of Transportation
The Federal Highway Administration Alabama Division
3M Corporation
Lamar Outdoor Advertising
Alabama T-2 Center – Auburn University
Alabama Power Company
PESCA
Alabama Asphalt Association
Alabama Associated Building Contractors
Mobile Gas – A Sempra Company

The Alabama Struck-By Alliance began in 2001 when Paul Weaver, President of H.O. Weaver & Sons, Inc. in Mobile, was discussing a fatal struck-by accident with the Mobile OSHA Area Director, Lana Graves. She suggested he contact the local trade associations he was involved with to form an Alliance, which could provide desperately needed struck-by training to contractors statewide. Weaver, a Past President of Alabama Road Builders Association and a member of AlabamaAGC began talking with these groups. The group immediately grew to include SafeState of Alabama, ALDOT, and 3M Corp.

The newly formed Alliance worked together and soon developed a training seminar which could be utilized across the state to educate hundreds of contractors and ALDOT employees. The training seminar included presentations which addressed several areas of concern.
OSHA discussed fatality data for Struck-By accidents and therefore the need for training;
AlabamaAGC presented training on traffic control planning;
ALDOT discussed the implementation of MUTCD requirements;
Safe State of Alabama discussed their free consultation services and the need for
training in and out of the work zone; and
3M discussed ANSI Standard 107-1999 and the need for retro-reflective clothing. 

Nine separate seminars were held throughout the state with the final seminar, video taped by Alabama Technology Center at Auburn University. Alabama Technology Center then produced CDs for the Alliance members to distribute to their memberships and other interested parties.

In 2004, Lamar Advertising joined the Alliance. During Work Zone Awareness Week Lamar provided Billboards around the State boasting the slogan Slow Down Moms and Dads Work Here. Over 55 Billboards were posted with an estimated 62,892,000 viewers over a three month period.

In 2005, the Alliance continued ongoing projects and engaged in new activities.

Alliance member AlabamaT2 Center trained ALDOT workers in the correct implementation of the MUTCD requirements.

Alliance members, AlabamaT2 Center and 3M, are working together in an effort to create a Hazard Assessment Document which can be used by Contractors to help assess the hazards on their jobsites.

During 2005, Alliance contractor members participated in a “Wear Test on Retro-reflective T-Shirts” which was conducted by 3M.

Alliance Members participated in the first Alabama – Federal Highway Summit.

Alliance members supported “National Work Zone Safety Week” in 2005 and 2006  by assimilating information to contractors and others statewide. The Alliance created a safety brochure which was distributed throughout the State. Members of the committee also participated in several local and statewide TV outreach efforts during the week.

Since 2005, the Alliance has participated in National Work Zone Safety Week.  Each year Lamar Advertising has donated the artwork and billboards to have a safety message posted on our highways throughout Alabama.

Post Hurricane Efforts:

One of the most significant safety challenges that the devastation of Hurricane Katrina brought to the gulf coast has been the increase in workers exposed to “Struck-By” hazards. Thankfully, the Struck By alliance members were ready and willing to assist by donating PPE and coordinating worker training; including a successful Construction Safety Conference. The alliance also created and placed a safety message on a billboard off Interstate-10 at the Alabama/Mississippi border; reminding drivers to drive safety during the rebuilding.

 

 

Leave a Reply