MCA of St. Louis and OSHA continue partnership
10-year partnership has reduced days away from work due to injury
By Scott Allen
The Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis and the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration have renewed a partnership focused on training employers and workers about hazards masonry workers face daily on the job including fall, electrical, trenching and struck-by hazards. The 10-year partnership has reduced injury rates and lost workdays to levels far below industry averages, according to Bureau of Labor statistics.
"The Mason Contractors Association shows a real commitment to safety because of its effort to protect workers," said Bill McDonald, OSHA's area director in St. Louis. "This partnership renewal will ensure that effective training programs on subjects, including fall hazards, electrical safety and trenching operations, remain relevant and prevalent for masonry workers in the area."
As part of the voluntary partnership, both the Mason Contractors Association and OSHA will continue working together to develop resources to help employers safeguard masonry workers.
The partnership focuses on management commitment and employee participation to create written safety and health programs that address recognized hazards; offers training, such as tool box talks and OSHA courses; and uses job site analysis with regular inspections and implementation of work practices to control employee exposure to hazards.
The partnership was first signed in June 2003 and was renewed July 31, 2014.
About the Author
Scott Allen is with the U.S. Department of Labor's Region 5 Office of Public Affairs.
