Worker safety will be Job One as the building trades and general contractor Walbridge-Aldinger prepare to build the largest sinking caisson in the world.

The $34 million project, which will begin early this year in the City of Dearborn near Rotunda Drive, is designed to alleviate combined sewer overflows (CSO) in the area after heavy rainfalls.

Perhaps like no other large project in the state's history, safety is being integrated into the core of this job. Representative of building trades unions, Walbridge, its subcontractors, MIOSHA and its parent, the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), all signed on to the enhanced safety plan at a meeting on Jan. 12.

Plans call for Walbridge to implement a process to audit the job for safety and involve the partnering of subcontractors in developing and implementing corrective measures. Walbridge will report all incidents and accidents to MIOSHA and will provide monthly safety reports. MIOSHA will conduct compliance inspections and job-site surveys on pre-determined serious hazard issues.

"Walbridge Aldinger in one of Michigan's 'Economic All Stars' and is a true worldwide leader in the construction industry," said state DLEG Director David C. Hollister. "This is an historic agreement not only because of the enormity of this project, but the scope of the partners signing on. Whether you are labor or management, public or private sector - this agreement says we are all on the same team that makes worker safety priority number one. This is collaboration at its best and hopefully the first of many of its kind in Michigan's construction industry."

The project involves the construction of a 350-foot concrete pre-cast diversion channel, and the construction of a 151-foot-diameter sinking caisson that will create a CSO structure. The caisson will be sunk approximately 110 feet into sandy soil and bedrock. By the completion of the project more than 500 trades people will have contributed on various phases of the project

"We're glad that MIOSHA and companies like Walbridge-Adinger recognize there is nothing more important in our business than making sure construction workers spend a safe day at work so they can go home to their family," said Patrick Devlin, Secretary-Treasurer of the Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council. "Intensive planning for safety before a construction project begins is something we'd like to see more often."

Added Council President John Hamilton, who is also Business Manager of Operating Engineers Local 324: "This is a dangerous business, but construction projects can be made safer when there's proper planning."

The 30-month sinking caisson project will be built in stages atop a level work surface constructed of two feet of stone and a railroad tie "launch pad." The initial stage will be seven-foot thick by 14-feet high concrete "cutting edge shoe" consisting of circular steel and a tapered, beveled wall.

The caisson is "launched" into the ground by removing railroad ties. Subsequent concrete pours force the caisson to sink under its own weight until it hits bedrock.

"We share a common vision with our partners to be committed to providing all trades people and subcontractors a healthful and safe workplace and to demonstrate leadership, responsibility and accountability in furthering worker health and safety at all levels," said Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr. "The active integration of the safety and health program, along with this partnership with the trade unions, subcontractors, and MIOSHA will endorse the ultimate goal of zero injuries. It is key that the design, through construction with safety polices and procedures, support the quality of life on this project by ensuring that everyone goes home the way that they came to work."