Backend Category: Safety Excellence Initiative

New Lone Worker Safety Model Program Introduced at MSCA24

Lone workers are the focus of a new model safety program introduced by MCAA Chair Renee Fiorelli at MSCA24. The Lone Worker Safety Model Program helps contractors identify risks and hazards and ensure adequate systems are in place to protect those who work by themselves where assistance is not readily available when needed, or who do not have the benefit of interactions with others.

MSCA contractors around the country have started to implement dedicated lone worker safety programs to help increase productivity and improve the safety and health of the workers they serve. The new Lone Worker Safety Model Program facilitates this process by helping contractors to identify risks and hazards while at the same time ensuring adequate systems are in place to protect these workers’ health and safety. It can be easily tailored to meet each company’s specific needs, and highlights these areas and more:

  • Risk assessment
  • Risk mitigation
  • Responsibilities
  • Monitoring systems
  • Lone worker safety assessment

“Workers deserve a safe working environment, and contractors require that workers perform work safely. This program helps them both,” said Raffi Elchemmas, Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management for MCAA/MSCA.

DOWNLOAD THE MODEL PROGRAM

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

MCAA Expands Head Protection Efforts with Hard Hats to Helmets (H2H) Support

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are responsible for 25% of all construction fatalities, and many life-altering injuries. That’s why MCAA’s Safety & Health Initiative is supporting the efforts of Hard Hats to Helmets (H2H), a group that is addressing TBIs in construction by advocating for the conversion from hard hats to safety helmets.

H2H is a home for information, communication, and awareness of the benefits of providing construction workers with the most effective head protection available. The H2H website highlights the benefits of transitioning from hard hats to helmets and provides technical and regulatory information, creating an efficient landing spot for contractors to review helmet manufacturer information and share success stories.

MCAA’s Head Protection Video, which demonstrates the impact of objects dropped from 30′ both with and without head protection, was recently highlighted on the H2H site. MCAA members can view and download the video in both English and Spanish.

The H2H support is MCAA’s latest effort to improve head protection in our industry. Earlier this year, MCAA announced a multi-year partnership with the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab to develop the first ratings system for safety helmets. By supporting research that delivers objective data, MCAA is providing another tool to simplify member decision-making when discussing converting form hard hats to helmets.

VISIT THE H2H WEBSITE

Note: Hard Hats to Helmets (H2H) should not be confused with Helmets to Hardhats, which connects veterans with careers. Aside from having similar names, the two are unrelated.

MCAA Shares Mental Health Resources In Honor of Construction Suicide Prevention Week

Construction continues to be a hard and high-stress profession with one of the highest rates of death by suicide of all industries in the United States. In honor of Construction Suicide Prevention Week from September 9-13 and National Suicide Prevention Month this month, MCAA is highlighting resources and training to help you to start or continue the conversation with your teams.

Available resources include:

  • MCAA’s award-winning Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video highlights the success story of an industry veteran, with appearances from MCAA president Robert Beck, the UA’s Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams. English and Spanish versions are available to MCAA members via mcaa.org. The public video, available to all, can be found at YouTube.com/@MCAAmerica or directly here in English or Spanish.
  • Over the last year, MCAA has partnered with the UA, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC to distribute over 150k 988 awareness hard hat stickers and chips highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both items include the UA and MCAA logos.
    • MCAA members can order stickers here. To order chips, contact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com and reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips. Both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label. Those with questions can contact Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org).
    • UA members can order right from the UA’s webstore. Those with questions can reach out to Nicole Jeup (nicolej@uanet.org).
  • The UA/MCAA Mental Health Toolbox Talks are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start or continue the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company. They are available in English and Spanish.
  • COMING SOON: MCAA’s newest education opportunity, the Construction Mental Health Summit will take place January 13th, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in conjunction with the MCAA/TAUC/SMACNA Safety and Health Conference. Developed in partnership with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), the half-day Construction Mental Health Summit will focus on the importance of understanding and leading through vulnerability, courage, connection, and compassion. Participants will join in this interactive experience to discuss the importance of courage, connection, and compassion in our personal and professional values. 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. Additional information and registration will be available in the coming months at mcaa.org.
  • MCAA members are invited to attend a Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry webinar put on by CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), CIASP, and the Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America (LSHFNA). The webinar will be held September 5 at 2:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

With these resources, we hope that your teams will spend time discussing this important industry issue. By learning how to support one another, they just may save a life.

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

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Safety Culture Resources

A positive safety culture starts at the top and can have a profound impact on your company’s bottom line, reducing or even eliminating serious injuries and violations. MCAA’s Safety Culture Resources give workers the tools they need to recognize and work safely around hazards. These resources also provide supervisors with the solid grounding in safety leadership, management, and conflict resolution needed to support a company safety program. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Hazard Recognition (Part 1)

Hazard Recognition (Part 2)

Supervisor Safety Training Videos

MCAA Shares Mental Health Resources In Honor of National Suicide Prevention Month

Construction continues to be a hard and high-stress profession with one of the highest rates of death by suicide of all industries in the United States. In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month this month and Construction Suicide Prevention Week from September 9-13, MCAA is highlighting resources and training to help you to start or continue the conversation with your teams.

Available resources include:

  • MCAA’s award-winning Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video highlights the success story of an industry veteran, with appearances from MCAA president Robert Beck, the UA’s Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams. English and Spanish versions are available to MCAA members via mcaa.org. The public video, available to all, can be found at YouTube.com/@MCAAmerica or directly here in English or Spanish.
  • Over the last year, MCAA has partnered with the UA, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC to distribute over 150k 988 awareness hard hat stickers and chips highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both items include the UA and MCAA logos.
    • MCAA members can order stickers here. To order chips, contact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com and reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips. Both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label. Those with questions can contact Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org).
    • UA members can order right from the UA’s webstore. Those with questions can reach out to Nicole Jeup (nicolej@uanet.org).
  • The UA/MCAA Mental Health Toolbox Talks are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start or continue the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company. They are available in English and Spanish.
  • COMING SOON: MCAA’s newest education opportunity, the Construction Mental Health Summit will take place January 13th, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in conjunction with the MCAA/TAUC/SMACNA Safety and Health Conference. Developed in partnership with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), the half-day Construction Mental Health Summit will focus on the importance of understanding and leading through vulnerability, courage, connection, and compassion. Participants will join in this interactive experience to discuss the importance of courage, connection, and compassion in our personal and professional values. 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. Additional information and registration will be available in the coming months at mcaa.org.
  • MCAA members are invited to attend a Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry webinar put on by CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), CIASP, and the Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America (LSHFNA). The webinar will be held September 5 at 2:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

With these resources, we hope that your teams will spend time discussing this important industry issue. By learning how to support one another, they just may save a life.

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

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Workplace Safety Resources

Workplace safety includes more than PPE and fall protection, it encompasses workplace distractions and workplace violence. MCAA’s Workplace Safety Resources help team members identify warning signs and take appropriate actions to prevent workplace violence. They also show viewers how to protect themselves and others if they find themselves in an active workplace violence situation. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Workplace Distractions

Workplace Violence

MCAA Microlearning Safety Videos

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Confined Spaces Safety Resources

Confined spaces present hazards from reduced oxygen content to an increased risk of combustion. Flammable gases or vapors and other physical hazards may also be present. MCAA’s Confined Spaces Safety Resources provide safe work practices to help protect those working in confined spaces. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Confined Spaces in Construction

Safety Bulletin

Model Safety Program

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, 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.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Equipment Safety Resources

In 2020, almost 3,000 fatal and over 200K nonfatal distracted-related motor vehicle accidents occurred. Commercial drivers are 6 times more likely to be involved in a critical safety event when participating in handheld browser activities. MCAA’s Equipment Safety Resources provide vital information to assist in reducing the risks associated with operating automobiles, forklifts, and heavy equipment, including four CNA infographics in their fleet safety series. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA/CNA Microlearning Safety Video Series

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Forklift Safety

Heavy Equipment Safety

Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment

Supervisor Safety Training Videos

Safety Bulletins

Safety Guides

CNA Fleet Safety Infographics

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, 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.

MCAA Shares Safety & Health Videos to Support OSHA Safe + Sound Week

In honor of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) Safe and Sound Week campaign, August 12-18, 2024, MCAA is re-sharing a series of safety videos created by the Safety Alliance between MCAA, TAUC, NECA, and SMACNA for your use to highlight key safety topics with your employees and co-workers. From fall protection to tips to combat the opioid crisis, the shared responsibility for safety, and the importance of workplace violence training, take time to focus on safety, you will be glad you did!

We kick off the week with a message from Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Executive Director of Safety, Health & Risk Management Raffi Elchemmas highlighting the resources available to members.

On Tuesday, The Association of Union Constructors Safety Director Alex Kopp addresses falls, which remain a leading cause of injury or incident in our industry. He presents a multi-layered approach that will allow Safety Alliance members to not only meet OSHA guidelines, but to exceed them.

On Wednesday, we hear from SMACNA Director of Safety Justin Crandol, CSP, ARM, CRIS with tips to help contractors combat the opioid crisis with knowledge and action.

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Executive Director, Outside Line Safety Mike Starner, CUSP, CHST talks about the shared responsibility for safety on Thursday.

To close out the week, Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Executive Director of Safety, Health & Risk Management Raffi Elchemmas encourages contractors to spend time on workplace violence training.

MCAA offers a wide range of 700+ safety and health resources, all free to members as a benefit of membership, to keep workers safe and ensure your company has the programs in place to comply with OSHA regulations.

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

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomic Safety Resources

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) or ergonomic injuries are more than just a buzzword. OSHA approximates that one in three injuries is an MSD and these injuries cost U.S. workplaces billions of dollars each year. MCAA’s Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomic Safety Resources provide the information you need to reduce risk and ensure worker safety, including several videos developed in collaboration with our partners at CNA insurance and an ergonomics webinar developed in partnership with The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), Washington University in St. Louis, and Best Built Plans. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Musculoskeletal Wellness (Ergonomics) 

MCAA/CNA Microlearning Safety Video Series

  • Worker Personal Health to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries – English | Spanish
  • Safe Lifting Technique to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries – English | Spanish
  • Proper Material Staging to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries – English | Spanish

Safety Training Webinar

Supervisor Safety Training Video

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical construction, service and plumbing contractors, 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.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Worker Health Resources

Worker health is at the heart of all that safety professionals do. MCAA’s Worker Health Resources include six worker safety videos and their accompanying materials and eleven worker safety resources that let you refresh training on subjects such as Asbestos Awareness, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hexavalent Chromium, Silica, Radio Frequency Radiation Safety, Respiratory Protection. Guides, bulletins, and programs on each topic support these efforts. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Asbestos Awareness

Bloodborne Pathogens

Hexavalent Chromium

Silica

Radio Frequency Radiation Safety

Respiratory Protection

Safety Bulletins

Safety Guides

Model Safety Programs

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical construction, service and plumbing contractors, 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.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Personal Protective Equipment Safety & Health Resources

PPE is the last line of defense, and sometimes all you need to prevent and injury or save a life. Preventable injuries impact our safety culture, company morale, and our bottom lines. MCAA’s Personal Protective Equipment Safety & Health Resources include our newest videos on hearing protection, head protection, eye protection, respiratory protection, and hand protection. These videos are a candid look at what happens when you don’t wear PPE, and how easily you can help yourself and others by wearing these lifesaving pieces of personal protection. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

PPE Demo Series

Safety Bulletin

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, 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.

MCAA & ASSP Formalize Collaborative Relationship to Advance Worker Safety

After years of mutual collaboration, MCAA and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) have formalized the relationship with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to provide greater access to resources, strengthen advocacy, and create safer jobsites around the country.

Earlier this year, Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA Executive Director of Safety, Health and Risk Management, welcomed ASSP CEO, Jennifer McNelly to keynote the annual safety and health conference in Tucson, AZ. MCAA members heard from McNelly on leadership, culture, and her personal career experiences. McNelly received a standing ovation from conference attendees in a very memorable experience for all involved. 

“We recognize the benefits of collaboration to improve occupational safety and health practices while elevating the voice of our profession,” said ASSP President Pam Walaski in a statement. “Together we strive to strengthen advocacy efforts, implement programs and create standards that reduce worker illnesses, injuries and fatalities.”

Our work together will widen the access to safety professionals through greater involvement in MCAA’s Safety & Health Conference – one of the longest-running construction safety conferences. The annual event offers training and education courses designed to improve safety practices among mechanical contractors.

Timothy J Brink, MCAA CEO said, “Reflecting on our years of mutual effort and shared goals, I’m excited to announce MCAA’s formal alliance with ASSP, marking a significant stride towards enhancing workplace safety nationwide. This collaboration unites MCAA & ASSP in a commitment to elevate safety standards and disseminate vital knowledge to countless construction jobsite professionals.”

For more information, view ASSP’s press release here.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Working at Heights Safety & Health Resources

Working at heights continues to be one of the most dangerous parts of construction and service. Each year falls are the leading cause of workplace fatalities and fall protection is the most cited OSHA violation. MCAA’s Working at Heights resources, which include training on Aerial Lift Safety, Fall Prevention and Protection, Ladder Safety, and Scaffold Safety, help keep workers safe, while model programs on fall protection and fall rescue simplify OSHA compliance.These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Aerial Lift Safety

Fall Prevention and Protection

Ladder Safety

Scaffold Safety

Model Safety Programs

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, 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.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s New Worker Safety & Health Resources

New workers are often the most vulnerable to accidents and injuries. MCAA’s New Worker Safety & Health Resources assist contractors in providing training on how to identify common hazards in the mechanical industry, and how to protect themselves from those hazards. Topics covered include stop work authority, pre-task planning, PPE, working at heights, fall protection, fall prevention, power tool safety, hazard communication, housekeeping, and emergency procedures. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

New Worker Safety Orientation

Safety Manuals

Safety Programs

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, 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.

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.

2026 Safety & Health Conference

MCAA, SMACNA, TAUC have partnered together to host the Safety & Health Conference, the biggest construction safety event of the year. The conference brings together safety professionals from across the construction industry to collaborate and explore the challenges and opportunities within our field. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a range of educational programs designed to enhance their professional skills. Subject Matter Experts will cover various aspects of jobsite safety, including discussions on emerging technologies and evolving best practices that can be implemented in their operations. Hands-on workshops will also be available, allowing experts to delve into new safety & health concepts in detail and provide practical guidance to help attendees better understand these innovative ideas. Two summits will also be offered, a pre-conference Construction Mental Health Summit and a post-conference Construction Risk Management Summit. 

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Power & Hand Tool Safety Resources

Every contractor and worker use tools to do their job. Injuries from improper use and choosing the wrong tool for the job happen far too often. Our resource this week highlights the tools most likely to be involved in an injury incident and teach proper use of the tools to help prevent injuries. Be sure to check out the additional resources on power and hand tool safety from our partner in safety, MILWAUKEE TOOL. They’re just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

DOWNLOAD

On June 26th, the MCAA, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC) announced the inaugural Safety & Health Conference scheduled for January 13-16, 2025, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale, FL., poised to be the biggest construction safety event of the year, sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL.

Explore the full range of 700+ safety and health resources available from MCAA here.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Resource Highlight: Heat Stress

Each year, thousands of workers suffer from heat illness while working in high temperatures, direct sun, and humid conditions; dozens even die. Many mechanical contractors spend part of their working day in hot environments, both indoors and outdoors. Workers performing physical labor are often exposed to hazardous heat conditions that can have severe safety and health outcomes. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

VIEW RESOURCE

Explore the full range MCAA resources in the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Find A Resource bar to pinpoint exactly what you need.

MCAA Partners with SMACNA & TAUC for the Biggest Construction Safety Event of the Year

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 thrilled to announce the inaugural Safety & Health Conference scheduled for January 13-16, 2025, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale, FL., poised to be the biggest construction safety event of the year. 

Sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL, the 2025 Safety & Health Conference will bring together safety professionals from across the construction industry to collaborate and explore the challenges and opportunities within our field. It is imperative that contractors are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to create safe workplaces where the risk of injury and illness is minimized. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a range of educational programs designed to enhance their professional skills. Subject Matter Experts will cover various aspects of jobsite safety, including discussions on emerging technologies and evolving best practices that can be implemented in their operations. Hands-on workshops will also be available, allowing experts to delve into new safety & health concepts in detail and provide practical guidance to help attendees better understand these innovative ideas. 

For the first time ever, two new summits will also be offered, a pre-conference Construction Mental Health Summit and a post-conference Construction Risk Management Summit. 

Registration for the conference will open in September 2024. Mark your calendars to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the safety industry! 

For those interested in exhibiting at the 2025 Safety & Health Conference, please reach out to Alex Kopp.