Report of the MCAA Safety Committee Words: Zach AckleyThe Committee has had a very busy 2015. While the committee has not had a huge roll in the silica process, it has been involved on the political side of this issue. As we write this report we are somewhat hopeful that language known as the Hoeven amendment will be placed into the year end Omnibus bill that we expect Congress to pass the week of December 14. If this language is inserted and is passed into law, it will stop the rule in it’s tracks and send them back to nearly square one. OSHA would need years to comply with the requirements of the new law. If the amendment is not included, we can expect the new rule in early 2016. Likely a new law would be challenged in the courts. 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 Key West. Top safety performers were presented with awards at our mid-year Board meeting. Safety Data Sheets The MCAA has been compiling new safety data sheets for the new globally harmonized system that OSHA is rolling out. These sheets will be replacing the old MSDS forms and contractors can quickly find masonry related sheets in one place on one site. Access the MCAA web site and go to safety and then click safety data sheets. If we are missing a sheet you would like, drop us a note and we will go out and work to get access and post them on the site. This service is being done to make the gathering of sheets easier for contractors and to help make the process a one-stop shop. 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 one’s.