Backend Category: Safety Excellence Initiative

Contractors Earn Top MCAA/CNA Safety Awards

MCAA and CNA have recognized companies for their achievements in safety through the MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards. This program, which began in the 1990s, honors member companies that have demonstrated strong safety practices and innovative approaches to achieving high safety and health standards.

The Safety Excellence Awards focus on evaluating safety programs, health initiatives, and the impact of safety innovations within the industry. Companies are divided into five categories based on the number of work hours they report, with winners selected by a committee of industry peers. The awards program provides a platform for companies to showcase their safety efforts and share best practices.

To participate, companies submit detailed descriptions of their safety programs, including the strategies they’ve employed to achieve safety excellence and why they believe they should be recognized. The Safety Awards Selection Taskforce, led by CNA, reviews submissions with an emphasis on safety leadership, a strong safety culture, effective performance indicators, and innovative initiatives that have contributed to the company’s safety achievements.

MCAA congratulates the winners of this year’s MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards:

  • Verne’s Plumbing | Category 1: 0 – 100,000 Work Hours
  • Armistead Mechanical | Category 2: 100,001 – 250,000 Work Hours
  • Mall City Mechanical | Category 3: 250,001 – 450,000 Work Hours
  • UMC | Category 4: 450,001 – 1,000,000 Work Hours
  • P1 Group | Category 5: Greater than 1,000,001 Work Hours
Verne’s Plumbing | Category 1
Armistead Mechanical | Category 2
Mall City Mechanical | Category 3
UMC | Category 4
P1 Group | Category 5
Will Your Company Win Next Year?

These companies have demonstrated a commitment to safety, showcasing their efforts to foster a strong safety culture and create safe working environments for their teams.

MCAA thanks CNA for its continued partnership in the Safety Excellence Awards program. Their collaboration is instrumental in advancing safety standards within the mechanical contracting industry.

The MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards highlight the importance of safety leadership and the ongoing efforts to improve safety and health practices across the industry.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Spanish-Language Safety Training Resources

Data shows that 34% of construction workers are Spanish speakers, the largest of any industry in the U.S. MCAA’s Spanish-Language Safety Training Resources deliver ready-made training for Spanish speakers, with topics ranging from mental health to PPE. They’re just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA’s current Spanish-language training resources, and their English-language counterparts, are:

Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Resources

PPE Demo Series

MCAA/CNA Microlearning Safety Video Series

  • Worker Personal Health to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries: Spanish | English
  • Safe Lifting Technique to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries: Spanish | English
  • Proper Material Staging to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries: Spanish | English
  • Refraining from Distracted Driving to Help Prevent Motor Vehicle Collisions: Spanish | English 

MCAA Microlearning Safety Videos

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Supervisor Safety Training Videos

Toolbox Safety Talks & Tailgate Safety Talks

Explore the full range of resources using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Prepare for Opioid Emergencies in the Workplace & Save on NARCAN®

MCAA is committed to ensuring that safety and preparedness are within reach for every employee. Now MCAA and Safety Alliance members can save on NARCAN®, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication. See the flier for details and a QR code with additional information and resources. Act fast – the discount is only good until March 14, 2025.

2024 MCAA Safety Professional of the Year Announced… Sereno Steindl, Bassett Mechanical

During the annual Safety & Health Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL, MCAA and MILWAUKEE TOOL announced the winner of the 2024 Safety Professional of the Year as Sereno Steindl of Bassett Mechanical.

Now in its 7th year, this award is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who has led their company to achieve an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence.

Sereno showed incredible backing from his organization, earning support from leadership and subordinates on his mission to empower workers, create leaders, and implement innovations to save lives. He is the Director of Safety for Bassett Mechanical.

“Sereno’s unwavering commitment to safety and innovation serves as a beacon for the entire industry. By constantly elevating standards and prioritizing the well-being of his team, Sereno not only drives excellence at Bassett Mechanical but also shapes a future where safety is the cornerstone of success. His dedication is a true testament to the power of leadership that transforms both people and processes.” said Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

In addition to the announcement at the Safety & Health Conference, Sereno will be receiving this award at the MCAA25 convention in Austin, TX, in March. MCAA congratulates Sereno Steindl and Bassett Mechanical.

NEW MCAA Video Highlights Electrical Safety for the Mechanical Construction and Service Industry

There are more than 30,000 non-fatal electrical accidents and approximately 1,000 deaths as a result of an electrical injury in the United States every year. Many of these occur in the mechanical construction and service industry. Year after year, electrocutions remain one of the top four leading causes of death among the construction trades.

MCAA’s new Electrical Safety Video for the Mechanical Construction and Service Industry highlights how can you avoid becoming one of these statistics by:

  • Understanding the electrical concepts of path to ground and path of least resistance
  • Keeping your powered equipment in good working order
  • Using Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (or GFCIs) when necessary
  • Recognizing work situations that are particularly hazardous and knowing how to handle them safely

This video is available in both English and Spanish, part of MCAA’s continued commitment to adding Spanish-language safety resources to help ensure the safety of all our industry’s workers.

For additional safety and health videos and a list of all 700+ mechanical industry safety and health resources available from MCAA, click here.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

Highlights from MCAA, SMACNA & TAUC’s 2025 Safety & Health Conference

Last week, the construction industry came together at the 2025 Safety & Health Conference, where over 500 safety and health professionals from the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC) reaffirmed their commitment to advancing safety and health across the trades.

Attendees engaged in 35 hours of education and training, highlighted by a powerful presentation from father-daughter duo Brad Livingston and Kayla Rath on The Ripple Effect—a compelling message about the lasting impact of jobsite accidents.

In a collective effort to give back, our blood drive contributed 30 pints toward the national blood shortage, and together, we raised $7,500 for the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, an organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of the men and women in our field.

The conference also featured 40 exhibitors, including industry leaders such as MILWAUKEE TOOL, Little Giant Ladder, Tyfoom, ClickSafety, Procore, DeWalt, Hilti, and ServiceTitan.

A special session brought insights from MCAA President Rick Gopparth, SMACNA President Tom Martin Jr., and TAUC President Justin Bruce, reinforcing our shared commitment to safety and health.

At MCAA, SMACNA, and TAUC, the safety and well-being of our workers, teams, and companies remain our top priority. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration and advancing industry safety in the years ahead.

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Safety & Health Conference, taking place January 12-15, 2026, in Austin, Texas—we look forward to seeing you there!

Last Call: MCAA and Partners Industrial Head Protection Study – Your Participation Can Help Save Lives

Workplace head injuries remain a significant concern in the construction industry. To address this, the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), ELECTRI International, the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) have partnered with the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab on a study to improve industrial helmet safety. The success of this research depends on industry participation to provide real-world data on workplace head injuries for use in developing test protocols. Help advance helmet technology, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and make a lasting impact on worker safety. Take the survey today!

Survey Will Provide Valuable Industry Insights

To conduct tests representative of real-world head impacts experienced in an industrial setting, researchers need to learn how industrial workers get injured on a job site. Information such as the injuries incurred, approximate fall height, fall surface, head impact location, and the head impact surface are crucial in reconstructing these scenarios in a laboratory setting. This information is being collected in a short survey that allows individuals to anonymously describe workplace injuries and “near-misses” that will provide us with the data necessary to perform laboratory testing. We ask that you help us by distributing the survey to your workforce to help us collect this information. 

We understand this information is extremely sensitive, and companies or individuals may be reluctant to share their experiences. As such, the entire survey will remain completely confidential and anonymous. No identifiable personal (i.e., name, date, contact information, location) or company information will be collected, and all data will be stored securely at Virginia Tech. Further, Virginia Tech researchers will not know which companies and organizations that JRGF, TAUC, ASCC, and Electri distributed this memo and survey to. JRGF, TAUC, ASCC, and ELECTRI International will not have access to the survey responses. Survey responses will go directly to Virginia Tech, and no data will be shared outside of the researchers involved in the study. 

If you, the company or organization, are willing to share additional information or data about workplace injuries; specifically, accident reports, images, or surveillance video of workplace injuries would be extremely valuable to the research. Any shared report or video would be completely de-identified and treated as highly confidential. If willing, please use this form to submit files. 

Thank you for your consideration and help with this important research that will ultimately reduce traumatic brain injuries and deaths in the workplace. 

Survey Available in English and Spanish

The survey is available in both English and Spanish to reach as many workers as possible. Help advance helmet technology, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and make a lasting impact on worker safety. Take the survey today!

ENGLISH SURVEY
SPANISH SURVEY

MCAA and Partners Industrial Head Protection Study – Your Participation Can Help Save Lives

Workplace head injuries remain a significant concern in the construction industry. To address this, the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), ELECTRI International, the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) have partnered with the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab on a study to improve industrial helmet safety. The success of this research depends on industry participation to provide real-world data on workplace head injuries for use in developing test protocols. Help advance helmet technology, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and make a lasting impact on worker safety. Take the survey today!

Survey Will Provide Valuable Industry Insights

To conduct tests representative of real-world head impacts experienced in an industrial setting, researchers need to learn how industrial workers get injured on a job site. Information such as the injuries incurred, approximate fall height, fall surface, head impact location, and the head impact surface are crucial in reconstructing these scenarios in a laboratory setting. This information is being collected in a short survey that allows individuals to anonymously describe workplace injuries and “near-misses” that will provide us with the data necessary to perform laboratory testing. We ask that you help us by distributing the survey to your workforce to help us collect this information. 

We understand this information is extremely sensitive, and companies or individuals may be reluctant to share their experiences. As such, the entire survey will remain completely confidential and anonymous. No identifiable personal (i.e., name, date, contact information, location) or company information will be collected, and all data will be stored securely at Virginia Tech. Further, Virginia Tech researchers will not know which companies and organizations that JRGF, TAUC, ASCC, and Electri distributed this memo and survey to. JRGF, TAUC, ASCC, and ELECTRI International will not have access to the survey responses. Survey responses will go directly to Virginia Tech, and no data will be shared outside of the researchers involved in the study. 

If you, the company or organization, are willing to share additional information or data about workplace injuries; specifically, accident reports, images, or surveillance video of workplace injuries would be extremely valuable to the research. Any shared report or video would be completely de-identified and treated as highly confidential. If willing, please use this form to submit files. 

Thank you for your consideration and help with this important research that will ultimately reduce traumatic brain injuries and deaths in the workplace. 

Survey Available in English and Spanish

The survey is available in both English and Spanish to reach as many workers as possible. Help advance helmet technology, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and make a lasting impact on worker safety. Take the survey today!

ENGLISH SURVEY
SPANISH SURVEY

2029 MSCA Annual Education Conference

Explore critical topics such as management, personnel, finance, service technology, training, and recruiting issues. This is the only industry conference specifically geared to service companies and the unique challenges and issues they face. Also included is an exhibit of products and services that can help you run your business more efficiently. Education sessions will help you make your time, resources, and personnel go farther. Plus, there are expanded opportunities for structured networking and peer group discussions as well as numerous social events.

 

MCAA and Partners Industrial Head Protection Study – Your Participation Can Help Save Lives

Workplace head injuries remain a significant concern in the construction industry. To address this, the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), ELECTRI International, the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) have partnered with the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab on a study to improve industrial helmet safety. The success of this research depends on industry participation to provide real-world data on workplace head injuries for use in developing test protocols. Help advance helmet technology, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and make a lasting impact on worker safety. Take the survey today!

Survey Will Provide Valuable Industry Insights

To conduct tests representative of real-world head impacts experienced in an industrial setting, researchers need to learn how industrial workers get injured on a job site. Information such as the injuries incurred, approximate fall height, fall surface, head impact location, and the head impact surface are crucial in reconstructing these scenarios in a laboratory setting. This information is being collected in a short survey that allows individuals to anonymously describe workplace injuries and “near-misses” that will provide us with the data necessary to perform laboratory testing. We ask that you help us by distributing the survey to your workforce to help us collect this information. 

We understand this information is extremely sensitive, and companies or individuals may be reluctant to share their experiences. As such, the entire survey will remain completely confidential and anonymous. No identifiable personal (i.e., name, date, contact information, location) or company information will be collected, and all data will be stored securely at Virginia Tech. Further, Virginia Tech researchers will not know which companies and organizations that JRGF, TAUC, ASCC, and Electri distributed this memo and survey to. JRGF, TAUC, ASCC, and ELECTRI International will not have access to the survey responses. Survey responses will go directly to Virginia Tech, and no data will be shared outside of the researchers involved in the study. 

If you, the company or organization, are willing to share additional information or data about workplace injuries; specifically, accident reports, images, or surveillance video of workplace injuries would be extremely valuable to the research. Any shared report or video would be completely de-identified and treated as highly confidential. If willing, please use this form to submit files. 

Thank you for your consideration and help with this important research that will ultimately reduce traumatic brain injuries and deaths in the workplace. 

Survey Available in English and Spanish

The survey is available in both English and Spanish to reach as many workers as possible. Help advance helmet technology, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and make a lasting impact on worker safety. Take the survey today!

ENGLISH SURVEY
SPANISH SURVEY

Building Safer Workplaces: Register for the 2025 Safety & Health Conference in Fort Lauderdale!

The 2025 Safety & Health Conference, taking place January 13-16, 2025 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, will unite safety professionals from across the construction industry to address and explore both challenges and emerging opportunities in safety. With the aim of equipping contractors with essential knowledge and tools, this event is designed to help create workplaces that minimize the risk of injury and illness.

Brought to you by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC), this premier event promises an unparalleled experience for safety professionals.

Attendees will benefit from:

  • Insightful Presentations on safety leadership, fall protection, machine guarding, and the role of artificial intelligence in safety.
  • Hands-On Learning with top manufacturers and exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge safety technology and innovations.
  • Networking Opportunities with industry leaders and peers in an engaging, family-friendly setting.

Conference highlights include:

This event is not just a conference—it’s a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate with safety professionals from across the country. Act fast—time is limited to secure your spot!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

MCAA and Partners Launch Industrial Head Protection Study – Your Participation Can Help Save Lives

Workplace head injuries remain a significant concern in the construction industry. To address this, the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), ELECTRI International, the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) have partnered with the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab on a study to improve industrial helmet safety. The success of this research depends on industry participation to provide real-world data on workplace head injuries for use in developing test protocols. Help advance helmet technology, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and make a lasting impact on worker safety. Take the survey today!

Survey Will Provide Valuable Industry Insights

To conduct tests representative of real-world head impacts experienced in an industrial setting, researchers need to learn how industrial workers get injured on a job site. Information such as the injuries incurred, approximate fall height, fall surface, head impact location, and the head impact surface are crucial in reconstructing these scenarios in a laboratory setting. This information is being collected in a short survey that allows individuals to anonymously describe workplace injuries and “near-misses” that will provide us with the data necessary to perform laboratory testing. We ask that you help us by distributing the survey to your workforce to help us collect this information. 

We understand this information is extremely sensitive, and companies or individuals may be reluctant to share their experiences. As such, the entire survey will remain completely confidential and anonymous. No identifiable personal (i.e., name, date, contact information, location) or company information will be collected, and all data will be stored securely at Virginia Tech. Further, Virginia Tech researchers will not know which companies and organizations that JRGF, TAUC, ASCC, and Electri distributed this memo and survey to. JRGF, TAUC, ASCC, and ELECTRI International will not have access to the survey responses. Survey responses will go directly to Virginia Tech, and no data will be shared outside of the researchers involved in the study. 

If you, the company or organization, are willing to share additional information or data about workplace injuries; specifically, accident reports, images, or surveillance video of workplace injuries would be extremely valuable to the research. Any shared report or video would be completely de-identified and treated as highly confidential. If willing, please use this form to submit files. 

Thank you for your consideration and help with this important research that will ultimately reduce traumatic brain injuries and deaths in the workplace. 

Survey Available in English and Spanish

The survey is available in both English and Spanish to reach as many workers as possible. Help advance helmet technology, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and make a lasting impact on worker safety. Take the survey today!

ENGLISH SURVEY
SPANISH SURVEY

Don’t Miss Out: Final Call to Book Your Hotel for the Safety & Health Conference!

Time is running out to secure your spot at the inaugural Safety & Health Conference, taking place January 13-16, 2025, at the stunning Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in critical conversations on mental health, risk management, and dozens of other pivotal topics shaping the future of safety and health.

About the Conference

Brought to you by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC), this premier event promises an unparalleled experience for safety professionals.

Attendees will benefit from:

  • Insightful Presentations on safety leadership, fall protection, machine guarding, and the role of artificial intelligence in safety.
  • Hands-On Learning with top manufacturers and exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge safety technology and innovations.
  • Networking Opportunities with industry leaders and peers in an engaging, family-friendly setting.

Conference Highlights

  • Beach Party Celebration: Kick back and relax at our beach party featuring live music by the Milwaukee Tool Shed Band, sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL.
  • Blood Drive: Join us in making a difference during our first-ever blood drive on Tuesday and Wednesday, helping to address the national blood shortage.

This event is not just a conference—it’s a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate with safety professionals from across the country. Act fast—time is limited to secure your spot!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

UA ITF Offers 2025 Safety & Health Conference Grants

The United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) is offering $5,600 grants for 35 individuals to attend the 2025 Safety & Health Conference (January 13 – 16, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, FL). Grants are limited to one attendee per local union education fund, and eligibility requirements must be met.

Help Save Lives at the 2025 Safety & Health Conference Blood Drive!

January 13-16, 2025  |  Fort Lauderdale, FL 
Register now to receive early bird pricing! 

As we gather for the inaugural Safety & Health Conference this year, we’re called to take action for a critical cause—the national blood shortage. Earlier this year, the American Red Cross declared a national emergency, underscoring the urgent need for donations. Blood supplies across the country are at dangerously low levels, and every donation counts in helping hospitals and emergency centers provide life-saving care.

We’re teaming up with OneBlood to host a blood drive on-site, offering you a chance to make a tangible difference. Please set aside some time on Tuesday or Wednesday at the 2025 Safety & Health Conference to visit the mobile blood donation truck at the front of the hotel. Your donation could help save a life—and as a token of appreciation, every donor will receive a special gift from OneBlood.

This is an opportunity to make a significant impact while attending the conference. Together, we can help combat this shortage and contribute to a healthier future for our communities.

Let’s show the strength of our construction industry by stepping up and donating! 💪🩸 Find a time that works with your schedule and sign up today!

SIGN UP FOR BLOOD DRIVE

The 2025 Safety & Health Conference will take place from January 13-16, 2025, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach, a family-friendly, oceanside resort in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

REGISTER NOW

NEW MCAA Video Highlights Health Hazards in Mechanical Construction

When they hear “construction safety and health,” many people think of physical safety or acute injuries that happen suddenly, like falls, cuts, punctures, lacerations, or struck-by injuries. Some serious health hazards are less obvious. These hazards can affect hearing, breathing, the ability to move—your overall health. The effects of these health hazards can take time to develop. By the time you realize there’s a problem, the damage done can be a real inconvenience…or, in some cases, lead to lifelong issues.

MCAA’s new Health Hazards in Mechanical Construction video provides tips for protecting your health in four main areas:

  • Physical
  • Chemical
  • Biological
  • Ergonomic

The video is available in both English and Spanish, part of MCAA’s commitment to adding Spanish-language safety resources to help ensure the safety of all of our industry’s workers.

For additional safety and health videos and a list of all 700+ mechanical industry safety and health resources available from MCAA, click here.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

2025 Safety and Health Conference to Spotlight Mental Health and Risk Management with Inaugural Summits

January 13-16, 2025  |  Fort Lauderdale, FL 
Register now to receive early bird pricing! 

Two of the most pressing topics in the realm of safety and health will take center stage at the 2025 Safety and Health Conference. Attendees will gain valuable insights from subject matter experts during two groundbreaking summits: the Construction Mental Health Summit and the Construction Risk Management Summit.

Construction Mental Health Summit
Monday, January 13, 2025  | Sponsored by Procore  | $299

Mental health in construction is critical, and during this half-day workshop, industry experts Josh Rizzo and Justin Azbill will lead an interactive session designed to empower leaders with compassion, courage, and connection. Participants will explore strategies for improving mental well-being both personally and professionally, focusing on vulnerability and leadership with heart.

Construction Risk Management Summit
Thursday, January 16, 2025  | Sponsored by CNA | $299

This first-ever summit will bring senior safety and health professionals together for an in-depth discussion on construction risk management. With a focus on auto, workers’ compensation, rework, prequalification, and the economic impact of workplace injuries, experts from EHS, contractor safety, and the insurance sectors will offer practical insights that can elevate risk management strategies across the industry. 

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC) are pleased to bring you the inaugural Safety & Health Conference. This event will take place from January 13-16, 2025, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach, a family-friendly, oceanside resort in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  

This premier event will feature a wide range of presentations covering topics from safety leadership and fall protection to machine guarding and the role of artificial intelligence in safety. Attendees will also get hands-on learning experiences from top manufacturers and exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovations in safety equipment and software.

A special highlight will be the party on the beach celebration, where participants can unwind and enjoy live music by the Milwaukee Tool Shed Band, sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL. Plus, in response to the national blood shortage, we are hosting our first-ever blood drive on Tuesday and Wednesday, offering attendees the chance to give back during this critical time.

With an expected attendance of over 500 safety professionals, the 2025 Safety & Health Conference promises to be a sold-out event. Don’t miss your opportunity to join! Register now to secure early bird pricing.

REGISTER NOW

MCAA CEO Tim Brink Represents the Construction Industry at White House Event

On Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, MCAA CEO Tim Brink joined the White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC) and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) for the first White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose Event. The event celebrated nearly 250 commitments from stakeholders across all sectors to help expand access to lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication and reduce preventable drug overdose deaths.

“With education and awareness, we can empower people to take action and save a life.”
– Timothy J. Brink, MCAA CEO

Tim was introduced by Rahul Gupta, Director of the ONDCP. In his role representing the construction industry, Tim highlighted the importance of this crucial initiative and how important normalizing this issue is. “Reaching other trades facing substance use and overdose requires a collaborative and inclusive approach. We haven’t completely figured this out, and we all need to learn from each other. Through our Alliance with NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC, we have top-down support for this challenge, but it also requires equal support from the bottom up and everywhere in between,” Tim said.

He also highlighted MCAA’s approach to recognizing drug abuse, misuse, and addiction’s relationship with a person’s mental health, and emphasized MCAA’s award-winning mental health awareness and suicide prevention video, and our new joint Construction Mental Health Summit with SMACNA and TAUC at the 2025 Safety and Health Conference.

MCAA’s leadership in construction safety and health started 25 years ago under the guidance of longtime industry expert Pete Chaney. Over the last 25 years, MCAA has been able to attribute a decrease of about a half a million injuries, a savings to contractors of tens of billions of dollars, to these efforts, which included creating and distributing over 700 safety and health resources in multiple languages.

“The crisis often begins with the first major injury, leading to the initial prescription for pain relief. It continues on the jobsite due to the pressures of the current work environment, such as the necessity for speed to market and the fact that if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. This all contributes to the need to work through pain and the continued use of opioids,” said Brink.

MCAA supports the White House’s position encouraging employers to:

  • Train employees on how and when to use an opioid overdose reversal medications.
  • Keep opioid reversal medications in their first aid kits, both on jobsites and in offices.
  • Provide opioid overdose reversal medications to trained employees.

Learn More

If you have questions about this or other safety-related topics, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

MCAA & NFPA Are Empowering Electrical Safety for Mechanical Service with New Training & Education

MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPA’s trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.

Depending on your needs and goals, we offer different levels of educational programs from introductory to more in-depth and on-going programming—and it’s all at a discounted rate.

See the brochure for offerings and discounts, then request more information at nfpa.org/mcaa-nfpa.

If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.

Learn to Make Your Construction or Service Team a Dream Team at the Safety & Health Conference

January 13-16, 2025 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Register now to receive early bird pricing!

Safety and Health can be exciting on its own, but at the 2025 Safety & Health Conference, 6x NBA Champion Scottie Pippen will take it to the next level. In this uplifting presentation, Scottie Pippen discusses the importance of embracing the fundamentals, supporting, and encouraging those around him, and doing whatever it took for his team to succeed. Let Scottie Pippen show you how to make your construction or service team a dream team. Register now to receive early bird pricing!

One of basketball’s most talented, versatile and successful players, Scottie Pippen’s improbable journey to the NBA landed him in Chicago, where he and Michael Jordan teamed up to lead of one of the game’s greatest dynasties. Scottie was beloved by his teammates and when you listen to him speak, you’ll understand why—his candidness, charisma, humor and wit provide audiences with memories they’ll never forget. 

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC) are pleased to bring you the inaugural Safety & Health Conference. This event will take place from January 13-16, 2025, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach, a family-friendly, oceanside resort in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

This new conference will feature dozens of presenters on topics from safety leadership to fall protection, and Machine guarding to artificial intelligence in safety. Attendees will also have a chance to celebrate safety excellence at our party on the beach with live music featuring the Milwaukee Tool Shed Band, sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL. 

Due to the national shortage of blood, we are excited to host our first-ever blood drive during the conference, where attendees can pick a time on Tuesday or Wednesday to help with this national emergency. 

New this year, we are kicking off two highly requested summits:

  • Construction Mental Health Summit ($299) on Monday, January 13, 2025
    Sponsored by Procore
    A half day workshop that will focus on the importance of understanding and leading through vulnerability, courage, connection, and compassion. There are many things we can do to take care of ourselves at a deeper level as well as take care of those we lead at a deeper level. Participants will join in this interactive experience to discuss the importance of courage, connection, and compassion in our personal and professional values.
  • Construction Risk Management Summit ($299) on Thursday, January 16, 2025
    Sponsored by CNA
    A half day workshop designed to push the limits for senior safety and health professionals or those with risk management responsibilities. This summit will focus on key topics in construction risk management including auto, workers comp, rework, prequalification, and an overview of the economics of an injury. You will hear from senior EHS leaders, contractor safety professionals, and directly from the insurance industry. This inaugural summit will leave you more knowledgeable about insurance and risk management in construction. 

In addition to four days of education and training, attendees will have two days to learn from leading manufacturers and exhibitors about new technologies, software, and products at our conference exhibit. 

We anticipate over 500 safety professionals and a sold-out conference.

REGISTER NOW TO JOIN US

January 13-16, 2025 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Register now to receive early bird pricing!

REGISTER & LEARN MORE