The Ohio Laborers' Union Hosted a Work Zone
Safety Event in Partnership with the Ohio State Highway Patrol at
the Ohio Statehouse
WESTERVILLE, Ohio, April 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the construction season gains
momentum across Ohio, National
Work Zone Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder for drivers
to exercise caution in work zones. To spotlight the event, the Ohio
Laborers' Union hosted a National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week
opening event at the Ohio Statehouse.
Watch full recap of the event here
The event began at 1:00 p.m. on
April 15th at the Ohio
Statehouse and featured a poignant lineup of advocates and
individuals directly impacted by work zone tragedies. Among them
were Colonel Charles Jones,
Superintendent, Ohio State Highway Patrol; Elgin Rogers, Jr., Ohio State House of
Representatives; Bob McCaskill,
Business Manager of Laborers' Local 423 Columbus; Bethany Billi, Executive Director of Ohio LECET;
and Dana King, mother of fallen Ohio
Laborers' Union member Alex King.
The event was punctuated with a resolution presented to the Ohio
Laborers' Union from Ohio Statehouse of Representative,
Elgin Rogers.
Bethany Billi, Executive Director
of Ohio LECET, emphasized that National Work Zone Awareness Week is
the perfect time to reiterate the importance of mutual respect and
responsibility on the roads, stating, "Our members work in
challenging conditions to build safer roads for motorists. This
week especially, we implore motorists to reciprocate and prioritize
the safety of workers while driving."
Speakers at the event were informative and shed light on the
risks faced by highway workers across Ohio. Recent reports from the Ohio State
Highway Patrol reveal a troubling trend – work zone crashes have
surged. Since 2018, Ohio has
witnessed 25,688 work zone crashes, with 35% involving Ohio workers. These alarming statistics
underscore the urgent need to heighten awareness of work zone
safety, especially amidst Ohio's
increased infrastructure funding for road construction.
The Ohio Laborers' Union with Ohio LECET embarks on a mission to
eliminate work zone intrusions and foster safer roadways for all.
Its over 15,000 active Union members and signatory contractors –
stand for safety and quality work, fair wages, quality insurance,
life-long training, and a secure pension.
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SOURCE Ohio Laborers' Union