ABC of Wisconsin, OSHA, and Wisconsin's Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program (WOSHCP) have renewed their partnership focused on continuing to reduce the on-the-job injuries of ABC member companies by 3 percent each year. This is the third renewal of the partnership, first formed in 2000.

"This agreement provides an opportunity for OSHA and ABC to come together and demonstrate that we all benefit when management, labor and government dedicate themselves to providing a safe and healthful work environment," said George Yoksas, director of OSHA's Milwaukee area office. "We want every employee to go home at the end of the day healthy and uninjured."

OSHA, WOSHCP and ABC of Wisconsin will work together to increase the number of safety and health programs among contractors and subcontractors, and to build a relationship focused on preventing work-related fatalities.

This is the country's longest running partnership combining the federal government, a state government and a trade association, says ABC. The venture will recognize the ABC of Wisconsin platinum safety program (STEP) as a benchmark standard. The STEP program recognizes annual company-wide safety performance at the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum levels. Platinum-level companies consistently demonstrate the highest safety standards, best safety practices and an outstanding safety record.