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TRAVERSE CITY – Westwind Construction, TraverseCONNECT and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) today signed a formal partnership with the goal of zero worker injuries, accidents and near misses during the construction of the Trailside45 apartment community in Traverse City.
Trailside45 is a new multi-family apartment community under construction by Midwest Property Development Inc. and Westwind Construction, a west Michigan commercial construction business with close ties to the Grand Traverse region. TraverseCONNECT has partnered with Westwind to make Trailside45 a reality for the Grand Traverse community. Construction began last November and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018.
Located at Boyd and Garfield, the property incorporates 1.7 acres of long-time vacant land in the heart of Traverse City and will provide 74 residential units. The new housing will feature modern amenities consistent with urban living and will offer a welcoming community environment in the area for those in need of reasonably priced housing.
“We applaud Westwind for partnering with MIOSHA on this exciting project to achieve a significant and measurable reduction in workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “Together, we can have a greater impact on Michigan’s workplace safety and health.”
Signing partners include MIOSHA, TraverseCONNECT, Westwind and partnering subcontractors: Molon Excavating, Bay Masonry, Woods Carpentry and others. The partnership outlines clear safety objectives and provides analytics to help all parties improve their safety awareness with the ultimate goal of achieving zero recordable injuries and ensuring everyone returns home in the same condition they came to work in.
The safety of the construction project’s employees is fundamental to this partnership with MIOSHA. The leadership of Westwind, partnering contractors, and MIOSHA are aligned and committed to providing a workplace with an effective safety management system that is hazard-free. All partners agree to commit their leadership, time, and resources to reach this valuable goal.
“The Westwind family is honored and excited to partner with MIOSHA and trade contractors,” said Peter Oleszczuk, vice president of construction and one of the Westwind principals. “Project safety and awareness is critical to the successful completion of the Trailside45 project, as well as the growth and expansion of our industry. Westwind is proud to be an advocate for worker health and safety and is pleased to be able to demonstrate these values through this partnership agreement.”
Trailside45 derives its name from its close proximity to the Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART), which runs adjacent to the development, making it convenient for residents to bike or walk to the downtown district. Residents can avoid the growing traffic congestion and easily enjoy the numerous amenities available in the surrounding area. The partnership does not preclude MIOSHA from enforcing its mission of addressing complaints, fatalities, or serious accidents, nor does it infringe on the rights of employees to report workplace hazards.
Westwind constructs a variety of projects, including commercial, residential, and industrial properties. Its services include real estate development, feasibility studies, facility renovation, general contracting, construction management, built to suit, and design/build.
TraverseCONNECT helps connect businesses, organizations and resources throughout the Grand Traverse region to foster economic growth and community wellbeing. For more information, visit traverseconnect.org.