MCAA Aligns with OSHA
By Masonry
The safety and health of workers in the masonry industry promise to benefit from an alliance signed between the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
"We're pleased to join with MCAA and advance the safety and health of thousands of workers in the masonry industry," OSHA Administrator John Henshaw says. "This alliance will not only bridge gaps between the industry and OSHA, but also help cultivate what I hope will be a long-term relationship focusing on worker safety and health with the entire industry."
"As contractors, we believe that one of our primary responsibilities is to ensure the safety of our workers on the job site," adds Bill McConnell, who was President of the MCAA at the time of the signing. "For that reason and many others, we at MCAA are proud to be aligned with OSHA so that when an issue related to health and safety arises, we will be able to sit down, discuss it and work it out in an expeditious and mutually beneficial manner."
OSHA's alliance with MCAA focuses on reducing and preventing injuries and fatalities from workplace exposure concerning wall bracing, fall protection, scaffolding and forklift hazards. Both organizations have agreed to develop training and education programs on these issues, targeting mason contractors and their employees. MCAA will assist OSHA in identifying safety and health issues specific to the industry that can be addressed in web-based electronic tools and other electric assistance products on both organizations' web sites.
OSHA and MCAA will cross-train personnel in the Association's best practices or effective approaches, as jointly determined by the groups. They will both pursue opportunities to speak, exhibit or appear at conferences, local meetings, or other chapter or national Association events that serve the industry.
The alliance also calls for working with other alliance participants on specific issues and projects on fall protection, wall bracing, scaffolding and forklift safety. Additionally, MCAA and OSHA will convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions or stakeholder meetings to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or provide input on safety and health issues.
In addition to developing and disseminating case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health, OSHA and MCAA will share information on best practices of MCAA's work sites with others in the industry and publicize the results through outreach and training programs developed by both organizations.
Finally, MCAA members will be provided information on the potential benefits of participating in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, partnerships, Voluntary Protection Program and Consultation, and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
About the Author
Masonry, the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America, covers every aspect of the mason contractor profession - equipment and techniques, building codes and standards, business planning, promoting your business, legal issues and more. Read or subscribe to Masonry magazine at www.masonrymagazine.com.
