Masonry Magazine March 2008 Page. 49
Staying abreast of safety rules and regulations doesn't require employing a full-time safety officer. where every person on the jobsite feels like they're cared about and looks out for one another and for themselves."
Better safe than sorry
KORMAN SAYS staying abreast of safety rules and regulations doesn't require employing a full-time safety officer. Scores of resources are available through trade associations, small business organizations or consultation services. In addition, insurance brokers for workers' compensation often provide safety courses for their clients.
There are really so many more resources available than there used to be," he says. "But there still are more lawsuits or projects being shut down due to serious injury. Safety doesn't cost money, safety saves money. Unfortunately, people think of it the other way around."
Other jobsite safety issues for which employers provide protection are the repetitive motion disorders from lifting brick and block, as well as the risks of lifting in general. Many employers and craftsmen find assistance through their unions. Rather than relying on individual contractors to be proactive, unions will invest in resources for members, provide training and, in some cases, actually provide respiratory protection and other equipment, says Korman, who also serves as administrator of Construction Practices Specialty for the American Society of Safety Engineers.
In addition to protection from sight, hearing and fall hazards, essentials for safety on the jobsite include hard hats, gloves, appropriate footwear and protective clothing. Companies such as Sperian, Web Devices and MSA offer full lines of personnel protection equipment and stay abreast of the latest government regulations with regard to their products.
"Most legitimate, good contractors are going to do the best they can to provide a safe environment for employees," says Painter. "In this day and age, there is not an abundance of skilled craftsmen, good masons. It's an economic thing, because I cannot afford to lose any of my masons or laborers to injury.
"My biggest fear is not OSHA; it's not having these workers on the job," he says. "The last thing we need is a time-out injury that will take anyone off the worksite. It's an economic disaster." IMAS
K.K. Snyder is an Albany, Ga-based freelancer writer and editor. She can be reached at kkondeadline@hotmail.com.
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