Report of the MCAA Safety Committee Words: Zach AckleyThe Committee has had a very busy 2014. The committee spent a substantial part of early 2014 working on silica rule testimony and comment. The committee was very active with the CISC. We are waiting to hear back from OSHA on the release of the final rule which is not expected until sometime likely in late 2015 at the earliest. Safety Newsletter The Committee has helped produce 12 newsletters this past year. These newsletters are short quick newsletters sent to member firms. The purpose is really to re-focus contractors on the importance of safety and give another resource to safety folks in our member firms. Safety Forum The Committee held six safety forums throughout the year. These forums were developed to share information in an open forum after a short topic for the month is discussed. The forums are designed to have a sharing of information among contractors across the country. We are always looking for people to spearhead different forums so if you would like to volunteer, please contact the office. Safety Awards The MCAA gave our annual safety awards to member companies at our mid-year meeting in Milwaukee. Top safety performers were presented with awards at our mid-year Board meeting. Safety Consultant Retained The MCAA retained the services of Jackson Lewis a law firm from Washington DC who spearheaded our silica coalition to work with us on safety issues in the year ahead. They are on 12 hour contract and we can add hours at a reduced hourly rate as needed. They will help consult us through legal issues related to safety. Safety Consultant II The MCAA is working with Strategic Safety Consulting to develop a network of program offerings around the country to include OSHA 10 hour course, forklift Train the Trainer Courses, Foreman/Superintendent Training (Safety Coordinator) and other programs. They will work with us to expand our safety offerings outside of our wall bracing program. Networking The committee has been busy addressing individual requests and inquiries. Whether it be citation advice, implementing a safety program or any other item related to safety, the committee is positioned to help other safety representatives and often spends hours on the phone assisting each other. This is often an overlooked service of the committee, but one of it’s more important ones.