WUCA Renews Alliance with OSHA and WisCon to Strengthen Underground Construction Safety
The Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association (WUCA) is proud to announce the renewal of our Alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Wisconsin Safety and Health Consultation Program (WisCon). Originally established in April 2023, this collaborative partnership was formally renewed in March 2026, reaffirming our shared commitment to advancing safety and health in Wisconsin’s underground construction industry.
This renewal reflects the continued value of open dialogue, education, and cooperative problem-solving among industry leaders, safety professionals, and regulators—all with one common goal: protecting workers and strengthening jobsite safety culture.
A Shared Commitment to Worker Safety
Underground construction presents unique and evolving hazards. Through this Alliance, WUCA, OSHA, and WisCon continue to collaborate on addressing some of the most serious risks facing our industry, including:
- Trench and excavation cave-ins
- Underground utility strikes
- Confined space entry hazards
- Struck-by equipment and materials
- Exposure to respirable crystalline silica
- Heat-related illness
- Roadway and work zone safety
By renewing this Alliance, all partners reaffirm their commitment to providing practical, accessible guidance and training to help contractors identify hazards, comply with safety requirements, and protect their workforce.
What the Alliance Means for WUCA Members
The OSHA–WisCon–WUCA Alliance is a voluntary, cooperative relationship, not an enforcement program. Its purpose is education, awareness, and prevention. For WUCA members, this means:
- Improved access to safety resources developed specifically for underground contractors
- Training and educational opportunities tailored to real-world jobsite conditions
- Clear guidance on workers’ rights and employer responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Opportunities to engage directly with OSHA and WisCon in a collaborative, solutions-focused setting
Alliance activities emphasize sharing information through meetings, conferences, training programs, case studies, and electronic communication—always with the goal of helping contractors prevent injuries before they happen.
Focus on Outreach, Education, and Practical Solutions
The renewed agreement outlines two main areas of focus:
Raising Awareness through Outreach and Communication
The Alliance promotes the sharing of information on OSHA initiatives, safety standards, and best practices. It also encourages participation in forums, roundtable discussions, and industry events where contractors, safety professionals, and regulators can exchange ideas and discuss challenges facing underground construction. Importantly, Alliance activities aim to incorporate the perspectives of non-managerial workers, recognizing their critical role in identifying hazards and improving jobsite safety.
Training and Education for the Underground Construction Industry
Training remains a cornerstone of the Alliance. WUCA and its partners will continue to work together to develop effective training on key hazards such as trenching, silica exposure, confined spaces, heat illness, and work zone safety. Another important focus is educating both employers and workers on workers’ rights, including how to use the OSHA complaint process when necessary. Training materials will be made available in appropriate languages and formats to reach the broadest possible audience.
Strengthening Collaboration Across Wisconsin
The Alliance also recognizes the important role of OSHA’s Area Offices throughout Wisconsin—including Appleton, Eau Claire, Madison, and Milwaukee—as well as WisCon’s statewide consultation services. An implementation team with representatives from each organization will meet regularly to track progress, share results, and adjust priorities based on injury, illness, and hazard exposure data.
This collaborative approach helps ensure that Alliance activities are responsive to real industry needs and aligned with ongoing safety trends.
Looking Ahead
WUCA values the strong working relationships built through this Alliance and the opportunity to engage proactively with OSHA and WisCon. By continuing to work together, we can help contractors stay informed, build safer jobsites, and ensure that every worker goes home safely at the end of the day.
We encourage WUCA members to take advantage of the resources, training opportunities, and connections made possible through this Alliance—and to remain active participants in advancing safety across Wisconsin’s underground construction industry.
