Masonry Magazine August 2005 Page. 50
News
Local, State & Regional
Colorado
The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute (RMMI) is pleased to announce its new Executive Director, Larisa LaBrant.
The new director is thrilled to bring her knowledge and skills to RMMI. As a native Coloradian and Regis University graduate, LaBrant has extensive experience in the local housing market. She was formerly the Local Government Liaison for the Colorado Manufactured Housing Association (CMHA). LaBrant's varied and dynamic background also includes stints with such impressive national projects as the Alaskan Pipeline. And with more than 10 years experience in proposal creation, client relations and marketing, she offers RMMI the promise of great forward progress for the association and its members.
The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute is a consortium of more than 100 companies throughout the states of Colorado and Wyoming. The organization includes brick and concrete masonry manufacturers, stone producers, masonry contractors, suppliers and associates. RMMI's primary goal is to promote all types of brick, concrete block and stone products throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Every year they host dozens of certification courses, apprenticeship seminars and free seminars. RMMI also offers educational materials on proper installation procedures to ensure the lasting life span and beauty of masonry.
For more information, please visit www.rmmi.org.
Florida
Reported by The Herald, "New city law could mean jail time, fines for builders," June 23, 2005:
Contractors and developers within [Bradenton, Fla.] city limits could face a hefty fine or jail time if their construction sites aren't ready to weather a hurricane this season.
Large commercial and residential construction sites must secure loose items, such as roof tiles, lumber and scaffolding, the day after a hurricane watch is issued in Manatee County, according to the city ordinance adopted in April.
Failure to do so could mean a $500 fine. It could also mean spending up to 60 days at the Manatee County jail.
Aside from the fine and jail time, the city construction board of adjustment and appeals would determine whether to seek disciplinary measures against the violator or simply revoke their license...
U.S. House of Representatives
Passes OSHA Reform Bills
The US. House of Representatives passed four Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reform bills on July 12, giving small businesses the same capabilities to legally fight OSHA citations as larger businesses.
The four bills passed include:
H.R. 739-The OSHA Small Business Day in Court Act
Grants Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) additional flexibility to waive the 15-day deadline for employers to file responses to OSHA citations.
H.R. 740-The OSHA Review Commission Efficiency Act
Ensures businesses have the right to a speedy trial. Increases the number of OSHIRC members from three to five, making it easier to reach its required two-commissioner quorum.
H.R. 741-The OSHA Independent Review of Citations Act
Gives businesses the right to appeal to an Independent court if they feel OSHA made an unfair decision in their case.
H.R. 742-The OSHA Small Employer Access to Justice Act
Allows companies with fewer than 100 employees to recover attorney's fees if the business owner successfully challenges an OSHA citation
Rep. Charles W. Norwood (R-GA), who introduced the four bills on February 10, summarizes H.R. 742 as a bill that will put a stop to "OSHA court-cost blackmail."
"No person, group, corporation or agency in America should be above the law," says Norwood, "and the combined effects of these bills we passed today ensure that will stand true with OSHA. When these bills are signed into law, American citizens will once again have their full due process rights if faced with OSHA charges and the ability to hold this agency accountable in court if those charges are frivolous. The net result is that, with the ability to commit regulatory abuses reigned in, this agency will simply be forced to start working with small businesses and workers to improve workplace safety, which should have been the goal all along."
The reform bills now await passage in the Senate. Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia chairs the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which has jurisdiction over OSHA issues.