Indianapolis, IN June 1, 2011 – The Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) and the Associated Builders & Contractors of Indiana, Inc. (ABC) have entered into a strategic occupational safety and health partnership. The partnership will cover all ABC Indiana STEP (Safety Training & Evaluation Process) Platinum Recipients. Members of IDOL and ABC met in the State Capitol Building Rotunda today to sign the agreement that will provide a framework for meeting several mutual occupational safety and health-related goals between the two organizations.

These goals will include advancing the safety and health of Hoosiers in the workplace, reducing the severity of injuries and illnesses and eliminating workplace fatalities. While the partnership does not in any way limit IOSHA’s ability to inspect the site in the instance of a complaint, injury or fatality, it does grant a conditional deferral of general scheduled inspections.

Additionally INSafe, the IDOL’s free OSHA consultation program, will provide guidance in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace safety and health hazards. INSafe will conduct random and routine on-site consultation services, and, when necessary, they will conduct training and provide other outreach services.

Martha Bracken, ABC’s Executive Vice President, commented, “This incredible honor, bestowed only on two other organizations in the State, solidifies ABC’s commitment to the safety of Indiana merit shop construction workers, to our members who have established exemplary safety programs, and to the communities within which our members live and work. We are proud to be partners with the Indiana Department of Labor, and look forward to growing this relationship in the years to come.”

Commissioner of Labor Lori A. Torres, Deputy Commissioner of Indiana OSHA, Jeffry Carter and Director of INSafe & Marketing, Michelle Ellison attended the partnership signing on behalf of the IDOL.

ABC’s President & CEO, J.R. Gaylor, Chairman of the Board, Al Wurster (Wurster Construction), Chairman of the Safety Committee, Jesse Brazzell (Safety Management Group), Safety Committee member, Richard VanDyke (Summit Construction), Safety & Training Coordinator, Darren Baker and Executive Vice President Martha Bracken attended the partnership signing event on behalf of ABC .

The partnership will remain in effect until for two years and re-evaluated at that time.

For additional information or questions, please contact Darren Baker at 317.596.4950 or via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .