Backend Category: Safety Excellence Initiative

Ricky Reams Named 2022 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year

MCAA and MILWAUKEE TOOL congratulate Ricky Reams, the 2022 Safety Professional of the Year award winner. Ricky has been a passionate safety leader for many years and his work to advance mental health is without equal. Ricky is the VP of Safety and Quality at Murphy Company in St. Louis, MO. The award was announced at MCAA’s 2023 Safety Conference in San Diego, CA in January. The award is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who has led his or her company to achieving an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence. Ricky has been invited to MCAA23 in Phoenix, AZ in March to receive the award on stage during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast. MCAA and MILWAUKEE TOOL congratulate Ricky and thank him for his commitment to safety.

2023 MCAA Safety Conference Highlighted Safety Leadership & Worker Health

    Safety is the top priority for MCAA contractors, and attendance at the 2023 MCAA Safety Conference proved it. The 2023 conference was the largest safety event in MCAA history, bringing together over 350 professionals to focus on safety and health in San Diego, CA.

    The conference featured 50 hours of education and training including keynotes on safety leadership, mental health, and safety management. It included 20 breakout sessions on current safety issues and priorities.

    “This has been one of the best conferences I’ve ever been a part of.”

    Tracy Haus, MCAA Safety & Health Committee Chairman and Baker Group Safety Director

    The conference celebrated its 20th anniversary at PETCO Park at an event hosted by the MCAA Board of Directors.

    Feedback from attendees was exceptional and highlighted the new expert panel discussion and presentation from Jen Massey, the UA’s Safety, Health, and Environmental Administrator.

    With the increased focus on health, from mental health to worker health, MCAA will expand the conference moving forward. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for the 2024 MCAA Safety & Health Conference January 16-18, 2024 in Tucson, AZ.

    Inspection Notice: Specific 3M Construction & Vest Style Harnesses

    3M has notified the industry of a potential issue that could result in some construction and vest style harnesses not performing properly. This condition results in the adjuster not being able to be adjusted or not locking in place after adjustments have been made. This manufacturing issue will result in the harness not performing properly in the event of a fall, which could result in severe injury or death. Protect your workers – read the inspection notice below.

    Transform Your Safety & Health Program With More Than 700 MCAA Resources

    Did you know that the MCAA currently has more than 50 worker and supervisor safety training videos? Each year MCAA’s Safety Excellence Initiative produces several new training videos, programs, guides, posters, toolbox talks and other resources. With more than 700 unique safety and health resources, the MCAA has what you need to transform your safety and health program. Our recently updated safety resource page helps members quickly identify the newly produced videos and resources to stay up to date with regulations and ahead of the curve with safety and health.

    Have an idea for a new resource? Email MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management, Raffi Elchemmas, at raffi@mcaa.org 

    VIEW RESOURCES

    Learn to Lead with Mental Health in Mind from 2023 Safety Conference Speaker Josh Rizzo

    Mental health awareness is a growing priority in the mechanical industry. At the 2023 MCAA Safety Conference, hear from Josh Rizzo, a Bronze Star Medal recipient and longtime construction industry expert, on how to take care of yourself and the teams you serve. Join us January 17-19, 2023, in San Diego, CA. Register today!

    MCAA’s 2023 Safety Conference also includes 50+ hours of education and training from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, and legal issues. Join us for three days of presentations, discussions, and demonstrations with 300+ occupational safety and health professionals, principals, owners, local affiliated executives, UA instructors, NECA/TAUC/SMACNA partners, and anyone who has safety and health responsibilities.

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    Biggest Safety Conference in MCAA History Will Provide Even More Opportunities to Learn from Peers

    MCAA is on track to have the highest number of safety professionals in one place in over 20 years at MCAA’s 2023 Safety Conference, providing even more opportunities to learn from other professionals. The event will include 50+ hours of education and training, keynote speeches on safety leadership and a celebration of safety. We will once again be joined by our partners in safety, the United Association. Join us January 17-19, 2023, in San Diego, CA. Register today!

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    Learn to Inspire Employees with Standout Leadership from 2023 Safety Conference Speaker Connie Podesta

    MCAA’s 2023 Safety Conference includes 50+ hours of education from subject matter experts, plus inspiring keynote speakers like Connie Podesta. Connie will take you inside the minds of your most difficult employees and give you the tools to turn negative attitudes into positive, entitlement into accountability, complacency into productivity, complaining into solutions and “that’s not my job” into ownership. Join us January 17-19, 2023, in San Diego, CA. Register today!

    Last Call to Recognize Your Company’s Safety Professional and Nominate Them for the 2022 MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year Award Today

    Nominations are open for 2022 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year award, which is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who helps their company achieve an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence.

    The 2022 award winner will be announced during MCAA’s Safety Conference in San Diego, California, January 17-19, 2023. The recipient will also be invited to the MCAA23 Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ, March 26-30, 2023, to receive the award onstage during the Wednesday Awards of Excellence Breakfast (airfare, lodging and registration to be provided). 

    To nominate someone for the 2022 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year, please complete the nomination form below and submit it by close of business on December 9, 2022. 

    NOMINATION FORM
    SAFETY CONFERENCE

    Prepare for the Certified Safety Professional Exam with MCAA 2023 Safety Conference Add-On Courses Sponsored by ClickSafety

    January 17-19, 2023 | San Diego, California

    MCAA is celebrating 20 years of safety excellence with our 20th anniversary safety conference, January 17-19, 2023, in San Diego, CA. New this year, an extended learning (add-on) course will prepare safety professionals for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals’ Certified Safety Professional (CSP) exam. The course, which is limited to 20 students, is sponsored by MCAA’s newest Manufacturer/Supplier Council member, ClickSafety.

    Led by SPAN, the course will review hundreds of problems addressing the complete examination blueprint in a question-and-answer format complete with fully developed explanations. It targets the principles and theories required to pass the examination. There is an additional fee to attend the course.

    The conference itself will offer over 50 hours of safety training and education, including keynote speeches on safety leadership, mental health, and safety management. Conference registration is open to our partners, the members of the United Association, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC.

    Have questions or need assistance? Contact us at eventregistration@mcaa.org or 301-869-5800.

    MORE INFORMATION
    REGISTER NOW

    MCAA Partners with OSHA for Safe + Sound Week

    MCAA has partnered with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) for Safe + Sound Week, August 15-21, 2022. This nationwide event, held each August, recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe.

    The week is part of the year-round Safe + Sound campaign to encourage every workplace to have a safety and health program. Successful safety and health programs can proactively identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, improving sustainability and the bottom line.

    Participating in Safe + Sound Week can help get your program started, energize an existing program, or provide a chance to recognize your company’s safety successes.

    MCAA contractors looking for an opportunity to recognize their company’s commitment to safety are welcome to participate. Last year, more than 5,300 businesses helped to raise awareness about workers’ health and safety.

    If you have questions, please contact:

    • Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management

    Click the below links for more information and resources.

    MCAA Safety & Health Resources
    Safe + Sound Week

    MCAA Launches Heavily Requested New Worker Safety Orientation Resources

    New workers are often the most vulnerable to accidents and injuries. To help, MCAA produced a New Worker Safety Orientation video and several accompanying resources. This package of resources is meant to train new workers 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.

    New Worker Safety Orientation resources include:

    VIDEO

    POCKET GUIDE

    DOCUMENTATION SHEET

    TEST

    ANSWER KEY

    For coverage of other safety topics critical to our industry, including training videos and materials, visit the Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page. If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management

    The Next Qualified Level Arc Flash Safety Training Webinars Scheduled for August 25, 2022

    Make sure your service techs have the up-to-date safety training they need to protect themselves from arc flash and electrical shock hazards while working on equipment pushing 480 volts or less. The session covers all applicable OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E provisions, best practices, and real-world accident information.

    VIEW BROCHURE

    The next three webinars will be presented on August 25, 2022. The first webinar will take place from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. EST, the second is from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST and the last is from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m EST.

    REGISTER TODAY

    Take advantage of the MCAA/MSCA member discounted webinar prices below.

    PRICING:

    # of Trainees (per company)Cost (per person)
    1-5$225/person
    6-10$200/person
    11-25$175/person
    26-50$150/person
    51-100$125/person
    101+Email for Pricing

    If you can’t make it in August, the webinar will be taught again in September 2022. Questions? Contact Raffi Elchemmas.

    Heat Stress Resources from MCAA Partners in Safety, CNA & MILWAUKEE TOOL

    MCAA and its partners in safety, CNA & MILWAUKEE TOOL, offer resources to help protect workers from heat stress.

    CNA Resources

    Many workers spend part of their working day in hot environments, both indoors and outdoors. Workers performing physical labor, including mechanical construction and service contractors, are often exposed to hazardous heat conditions that can have severe safety and health outcomes. Please review the below information on heat stress and sun exposure.

    Protecting Against Heat Stress
    Sun Exposures for Contractors

    For questions or additional information, please contact:

    MILWAUKEE TOOL Resources

    MILWAUKEE TOOL has started a monthly safety emphasis program. Below you will find information for July’s Heat Illness Prevention campaign. The information comes from some of the industry’s most credible sources, including the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

    Heat Illness Prevention
    Additional Heat Illness Prevention Resources

    For additional information on the safety emphasis program, please contact:

    MCAA Resources

    For more information on heat stress from MCAA, review our last post or check out these training talks:

    If you have questions, please contact:

    • Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management

    MCAA Congratulates 90 Member Companies on Safety Excellence

    MCAA’s Safety Statistics & Awards program recognized 90 MCAA members’ safety performance in 2021. All applicants received a valuable benchmarking report that will allow them to compare their own 2021 incidence rates with the aggregate rates of the other participating MCAA companies overall, those in the same size category, and with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics incidence rates. Those who qualified also received a certificate of commendation. Congratulations to all!

    The program provides six awards categories including awards for zero recordable cases, zero lost workday cases, recordable cases incidence rates that are 25% or more below the industry average, lost workday cases incidence rates that are 25% or more below the industry average, and two that are a mix of these items.

    MCAA is pleased to give the following contractors special recognition for their safety performance.

    Zero Recordable Cases

    • Thermalair
    • James T. Kay Co
    • Coleman Spohn Corp
    • Advanced Mechanical Corp
    • ACSI Mechanical
    • ACME Industrial Piping
    • Plains Plumbing Co
    • All Temp Refrigeration
    • The YMI Group
    • Power Process Piping
    • A J Allen Mechanical Contractors
    • Gartner Refrigeration
    • Air Comfort Corp
    • The Smith & Oby Co
    • Sexson Mechanical
    • Rand Construction Co
    • Muir-Chase Plumbing Co
    • Nooter Construction Co

    Zero Lost Workday Cases

    • Horton Mechanical Contractors
    • Northland Mechanical Contractors
    • Gunthorpe Plumbing and Heating
    • Air Temp Heating & Air Conditioning
    • Ruyle Mechanical Services
    • Aldag/Honold Mechanical
    • Denali Construction Services
    • PLS Mechanical
    • Suttles Plumbing and Mechanical Corp
    • Poole & Kent

    Congratulations to all recipients, and thank you to everyone who applied. Your support of this and MCAA’s other safety programs underscores your company’s commitment to safety.

    Immediate Stop Use/Recall – Select 3M Shock Absorbing Lanyards

    3M has notified the industry of a potential manufacturing issue that could result in some lanyards not performing properly in the event of a fall. This could result in severe injury or death. Select 3M™ DBI-SALA® ShockWave™2 Arc Flash Shock Absorbing Lanyards are impacted and should be removed from service. See the recall notice for details and information about replacements.

    MCAA & CNA Offer Resources to Educate Workers on the Importance of Trench Safety

    More workers are killed or injured in and around excavations than in any other phase of construction work. MCAA and safety partner CNA offer resources that reinforce the importance of trench protective systems to keep your team safe during Trench Safety Stand-Down Week June 20 – 24, 2022 and every day.

    Resources from CNA

    Resources from MCAA

    Excavation Safety for Mechanical Construction Training Materials:

    MCAA also offers a Model Excavation Safety Program that guides you through establishing a program that minimizes risk to your employees and ensures your compliance with OSHA requirements. It makes development and implementation of such a program as easy and cost-effective as possible.

    Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

    Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

    Prepare Now for the New ANSI Fall Protection Standard for Retractables

    The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) fall protection standard Z359.14-2021, Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall Arrest and Rescue Systems, will go into effect on February 1, 2023. When it does, MCAA member companies will face several changes and additional testing requirements in an area that is among the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) most frequently cited violations. Prepare your company now by familiarizing yourself with the changes and purchasing equipment that meets the new standard.

    ANSI Standard Highlights

    • The standard was approved in Summer 2021
    • It will go into effect in February 2023
    • Class A and Class B go away
    • They are replaced by Class 1 and Class 2
    • Class 1 retractables must be used at the D ring or above.
    • Class 2 retractables must be tested and must pass the Extreme Leading Edge Test
    • Class 2 testing is done on a sharpened structural steel edge
    • Class 2 must take a 5’ free fall
    • Both Class 1 and Class 2 have a 42” average arrest distance and a 1350 pound average arrest force.

    For detailed information, please review the attached slide deck.

    ANSI Standard Slide Deck

    Have Questions?

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

    OSHA National Emphasis Program Aims to Protect Workers from Heat Hazards

    Labor Secretary Marty Walsh joined Vice President Kamala Harris April 12, 2022 to announce a first-ever Occupational Safety and and Health Administration (OSHA) National Emphasis Program (NEP) to protect workers from indoor and outdoor heat hazards. The NEP lists construction among the industries expected to have high exposures to heat-related hazards resulting in illnesses. MCAA is representing our members’ interests with OSHA because we know there is nothing more important than the health and safety of our workers, and you’re invited to join us.

    Representing Member Interests

    MCAA will be participating in OSHA’s stakeholder meeting on May 3, 2022. You are invited to participate in the virtual meeting by registering here. 

    MCAA has already submitted feedback to OSHA on the proposed rule and commented through the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group.

    Tips for Preventing Heat Illnesses

    As temperatures begin to rise and it starts to get hot in parts of the United States, now is a good time to remind your employees about how to prevent heat illnesses. In particular, they should be on the lookout for:

    • Heat Stroke: As the body loses its ability to sweat, it can’t control its temperature (HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY)
    • Heat Exhaustion: The body sweats away too much water and salt
    • Heat Syncope: The body’s blood pressure becomes too low, resulting in dizziness or fainting and
    • Heat Cramps: The body experiences painful muscle spasms
    NEP DETAILS
    ADDITIONAL TOOLS FROM OSHA

    Have Questions?

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

    CNA Insurance Offers Solutions for Top Jobsite Claims

    As construction-related claims become more frequent and expensive than ever before, new trends have emerged in the types and causes of losses. CNA offers tailored coverages to help construction companies mitigate these risks, along with resources to help keep projects and workers safe.

    CNA SOLUTIONS INFOGRAPHIC

    For more information on CNA’s resources and solutions, please contact Shawn Egan, CNA Risk Control Specialist at Shawn.Egan@cna.com.

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