August 17, 2009 7:48 AM CDT
There has been a change to the way bricklayers (masons) are to work day to day. OSHA has implemented a glove rule which requires bricklayers and anyone who may come in contact with hex chromium to wear protective gloves. Of course owners are required to supply these gloves and replacement gloves as needed as it falls under the PPE rule. There has been a rash of citations as of late given to contractors all over the country with a variety of different fine levels some coming as serious offenses. The MCAA has been tracking citations and working to develop a response to the rule. Most contractors who have been cited have been successful in mitigating the citation and fine on appeal.
The MCAA presented a request for exemption to the glove rule for the masonry industry based on several factors. First, in the instance of bricklayers, gloves impede the ability of craftsman. The MCAA is arguing that the mason utilizes their sense of feel to place and align their work. If you place a glove on the hand, it impedes the craftsmanship of the work. It has been compared to putting a blindfold on an artist. Second, the MCAA is arguing that the OSHA 300 logs of mason contractors rarely if ever report chemical burns on the hands do to exposure. Our short survey of member firms found absolutely none.
Executive Director Jeff Buczkiewicz presented the request for exemption the Directorate of Construction Services (Bill Parsen’s) of OSHA in Washington DC on July 15. The MCAA is confident that we will see movement on the request and are cautiously optimistic that some type of exception will be implemented. Stay tuned to the newsletter for future updates.
OSHA Glove Requirement
Important information regarding citations
OSHA is requiring bricklayers to wear protective gloves.
There has been a change to the way bricklayers (masons) are to work day to day. OSHA has implemented a glove rule which requires bricklayers and anyone who may come in contact with hex chromium to wear protective gloves. Of course owners are required to supply these gloves and replacement gloves as needed as it falls under the PPE rule. There has been a rash of citations as of late given to contractors all over the country with a variety of different fine levels some coming as serious offenses. The MCAA has been tracking citations and working to develop a response to the rule. Most contractors who have been cited have been successful in mitigating the citation and fine on appeal.
The MCAA presented a request for exemption to the glove rule for the masonry industry based on several factors. First, in the instance of bricklayers, gloves impede the ability of craftsman. The MCAA is arguing that the mason utilizes their sense of feel to place and align their work. If you place a glove on the hand, it impedes the craftsmanship of the work. It has been compared to putting a blindfold on an artist. Second, the MCAA is arguing that the OSHA 300 logs of mason contractors rarely if ever report chemical burns on the hands do to exposure. Our short survey of member firms found absolutely none.
Executive Director Jeff Buczkiewicz presented the request for exemption the Directorate of Construction Services (Bill Parsen’s) of OSHA in Washington DC on July 15. The MCAA is confident that we will see movement on the request and are cautiously optimistic that some type of exception will be implemented. Stay tuned to the newsletter for future updates.
About the Author
Jeff Buczkiewicz is the President and CEO of the Mason Contractors Association of America. Jeff has worked in the masonry industry for several years as the Executive Vice President of the Building Stone Institute and the Director of Marketing and Membership for the Mason Contractors Association of America. Jeff has also served as Secretary on the Board of the Natural Stone Council and is a former Board Member of the StonExpo Federation.
