Masonry Magazine August 2006 Page. 45
News
Local, State & Regional
# California
The Cal/OSHA standards board approved the permanent version of its landmark heat illness standard for outdoor employees. The vote was significant enough to prompt Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to hold a press conference in the state capitol to announce the adoption, just minutes after the board voted.
The regulation, which has been in place as an emergency standard since last August, requires employers to provide workers access to potable drinking water of at least one quart per hour for the entire shift. Employers providing plumbed water are not bound by the quantity requirement.
The standard also requires employers to provide shade for employees who are either suffering from heat illness or need a "preventive recovery period." Non-agriculture industries are allowed to provide alternative cooling methods, such as misting machines, but the burden will be on employers to demonstrate that they are as effective as the shade requirement. California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Acting Chief Len Welsh told the board that the division will cite employers if the alternatives are found to be not as effective.
The heat illness regulation also requires employers to train workers and supervisors on the risk factors for heat illness, how to avoid it, the employer's procedures for complying with the standard, and emergency procedures if an employee becomes ill.
The permanent standard adoption was timed so that it can take effect before the emergency standard expires this month. It now goes to California's Office of Administrative Law (OAL) to ensure that it complies with the state's Administrative Procedures Act. OAL has 30 days to act on the adoption and it will set the effective date of the standard.
# Colorado
The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute (RMMI) has increased its education efforts, joining the Adams County Education Consortium, an organization of employers who are seeking to fill their workforce needs by introducing apprenticeships, mentoring and college-track programs into the local high schools. The Education Consortium's mission is to combine the efforts of Adams County school districts, post-secondary education institutions, local governments, community-based organizations and the business community in developing a county-wide partnership that will enhance personalized academic skills development, profession exploration and relevant work-ready skills for all learner groups in Adams County.
In June, RMMI participated in the Education Consortium's "Workforce Connect," a week-long program that introduced educators to employers in their area. On June 22, Summit-Lakewood Brick, Eatherton Masonry, Gallegos Corp., and Colorado Scaffolding & Equipment met with the educators for two hours at the RMMI offices, where they worked with the teachers to familiarize them with the masonry industry, its workforce needs, apprentice opportunities and career opportunities, including management and small business ownership. The teachers who participated in the entire week-long program- visiting 11 industries and completing various assignments-were eligible to earn three hours of graduate credit through the University of Colorado at Denver.
Through the Education Consortium, high schools in two Adams County school districts are exploring possibilities for adding a masonry component to their building trades programs. In addition, RMMI is working with several Colorado community colleges to develop a college-level apprentice program that will lead to an associate's degree. Details are still in the works, but the program is anticipated to launch in August 2007.
In November, RMMI member companies will be participating in a job fair held by the Education Consortium. Job opportunities for youth apprentices and adult workers will be included at the event.
For more information on RMMI, please visit www.rmmi.org.