Report of the MCAA Safety Committee

Probably, one of the most significant safety issues that the MCAA has been working on has been the completion of the "Guidelines For Bracing Masonry Walls Under Construction." We are pleased to report that the draft document is out for review to MCAA Chapters and the final draft is expected to be published the beginning of November. This effort has been spearheaded by the MCAA with support from NCMA, BIA, PCA and other industry representatives who have spent nearly eighteen months developing this industry guideline. Representatives from OSHA have also participated in the development of the guideline. Their Regional officers are also being asked for comment on the document. We wish to thank the following MCAA chapters who financially supported some of the research that went into the development of the guide. They are Washington State Conference, MCA of Massachusetts, MCA of Dayton, MCA of Sacramento, Masonry Institute of South Bay, MCA of North Carolina, MCA of Nashville and MCA of Portland. I would also like to recognize the following MCAA representatives who served along with myself on the Council For Masonry Wall Bracing. They are Dick Lauber, Dick Felice, Jerry Painter, John Smith, Jr. and Joe Martino. In addition to the members, I would like to recognize the following paid staff members who have contributed to our bracing efforts. They are Jim O'Connor, Dan Zeckmeister and Chuck Ostrander. Most importantly, I would like to thank Mario Catani who took on the burden of chairing the council and delivering this guideline in such a short period of time.

In addition to the Wall Bracing efforts, the association has published part two of the Rough Terrain Forklift Training Manual. Part two is the practical, hands on portion of the training series. Part two is already having tremendous sale success, and has already established itself as the second highest successful safety publication. Currently, OSHA is reviewing the two Forklift Safety Manuals and Video for endorsement, something OSHA rarely does. However, with OSHA's new forklift safety standard looming on the horizon, we are excited about the prospect of selling an OSHA approved training series. I would like to thank MCAA's consultant George Miller for spearheading this effort.

Another successful venture for the committee has been the partnering with the ASA and the Painting and Decorating Contractors Association on their Computer Safety Software. The program was demonstrated at last years convention and has already sold 30 copies of the program. We are looking more closely at partnering on other generic safety programs, which keep MCAA's developmental expenses minimal, guaranteeing a profit while at the same time servicing our members needs.

As a new MCAA Committee Chairman, I look forward to building a strong and active committee. Safety is a critical issue the mason contractor and MCAA need a very active Safety Committee to better serve our members.

Mr. President, thank you for the honor to serve as Chairman of the Safety Committee. That is my report.