MCA of Western Washington Leverages Policy to Enhance Safety & Benefit Members

The MCA of Western Washington (MCAWW), an MCAA affiliate, leveraged a state “focused inspection” policy exemption to create MCAWW Safety W.I.S.E., a program that certifies member firms with exceptional safety programs, exempting them from nearly all project and fabrication site inspections. The program also provides MCAWW Safety W.I.S.E.-branded jobsite banners and hard hat stickers to those that are certified, allowing them to further differentiate themselves in the marketplace. MCAA applauds the MCA of Western Washington’s innovative safety program and its commitment to worker safety.

Leveraging Policy to Serve Members

In Washington state, workplace safety and health is regulated by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). The agency’s “focused inspection” policy permits construction contractor associations to certify that member firms meet certain safety criteria. If certified, a firm is then exempt from nearly all L&I project and fabrication site inspections.

Several years ago, MCAWW leveraged this L&I policy to develop MCAWW Safety W.I.S.E. with the tagline “Washington Industry Safety Elite.” The application process is straight forward and confidential:

• An MCAWW member firm applies and provides a copy of its accident prevention plan.
• MCAWW’s safety consultant reviews these materials and conducts a site visit.
• If the applicant scores enough points, the firm is certified for one year, after which they can reapply. Certified firms receive MCAWW Safety W.I.S.E.-branded jobsite banners and hard hat stickers.

MCAWW’s goal in launching MCAWW Safety W.I.S.E.was to not only limit the scope of L&I inspections for certified firms, but also to give firms with exceptional safety programs an additional “notch in their belt” for safety achievements. If a firm applies and cannot be certified, MCAWW’s safety consultant will explain why. Any improvements based on the consultant’s review elevate safety in the industry.

As of August 1, 2023, 26 of MCAWW’s approximately 52 contractor member firms are certified in MCAWW Safety W.I.S.E.

Tips for Other Local Affiliates

Other local associations in state-regulated safety and health states like Washington may want to explore whether there is a comparable policy in their area. Those that are not in state-regulated states may want to explore whether there is a comparable policy under the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Scott Middleton at the MCA of Western Washington.