Report of the MCAA Safety Committee
Words: Zach EverettI would like to begin by introducing the new Committee Chairman for the MCAA Safety Committee, Mr. Zach Everett - Safety Director of Brazos Masonry. As Chairman of the MCAA Safety Committee, Zach will work closely with the newly formed committee and MCAA Staff to ensure develop and implement programs and strategies that will make our industry safer and more productive.
Region VII OSHA Training Seminar
On November 17, 2005 in St. Louis, the MCAA and MCA St. Louis will be hosting a training seminar for over 50 of OSHA's Region VII compliance officers and officials. This will give us the opportunity to
As a part of our MCAA/OSHA Alliance, the MCAA and MCA - St. Louis will be hosting a pilot program to train over 50 OSHA compliance officers and officials in Region VII on the best practices of the masonry industry. This pilot program will be held on November 17, 2005 in St. Louis, MO.
What we hope to achieve from this program is an opportunity for selected representatives of our industry to train OSHA Field Inspectors and officials on how we conduct our business, how we provide safety programs for our personnel, and why our industry has certain exemptions (such as overhand bricklaying, not using harnesses on scaffolding, why we can't clear materials off of scaffolding at the end of every shift and why we don't need to erect scaffolding on both sides of a block wall when grouting). OSHA will then have an opportunity to discuss with us what they look for in our industry with regards to safety. If the pilot works effectively, we will expand the program to all regions.
This will be an extremely effective program is minimizing interpretation among OSHA inspectors who cite contractors, causing us to have to expend tremendous resources fighting frivolous situations.
Wall bracing Standard Update
We will begin updating the 2001 Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls under Construction soon. The Updated Standard Practice should be completed by early 2006.
Rough Terrain Forklift Manual Update
As you are all aware, we have a very close working relationship with the Laborers union and it continues to strengthen.
Michael Adelizzi and I met with officials of the Laborers AGC training facility in Connecticut to discuss our Rough Terrain Forklift Manual and Video and how the program can be improved. During the next six months to a year, we will work closely with the Laborers AGC to edit the manuals, develop a train-the-trainer program, provide a stronger certification of the forklift operator and expand the education that will be offered. We were surprised to learn during our meeting how strong our brand name is in regards to the forklift training. We heard repeated stories about how our name and training materials have helped the laborers local training centers around the country (as well as the contractors who employed members of LIUNA) when OSHA inspectors reviewed their forklift training.
OSHA has a strong awareness and acceptance of our program. We hope to strengthen that brand recognition in the coming year.