Through the OSHA and MCAA Alliance, MCAA members and staff along with representatives from the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America and Associated General Contractors Training Fund conduct a Masonry Best Practices Seminar for OSHA federal, State Plan State and On-site Consultation Program representatives. More than 50 attendees participated at the following seminars:

• October 26, 2006 - Carol Stream, Illinois
• January 26, 2006 - High Hill, Missouri

The seminar focuses on masonry industry safety methods for overhead bricklaying, fall protection, material handling and scaffold access. Following the classroom sessions, seminar participants are provided hands-on training on rough terrain forklift operation, scaffolding techniques and masonry basics, among other demonstrations.

Bill McDonald, OSHA Region VII, St. Louis, Missouri Area Director, USDOL-OSHA said, "The interaction between our compliance personnel and the masonry industry was outstanding. Many issues were brought to the table by both sides and addressed in a manner that I believe will lead to increased cooperation and understanding and improved compliance and safety for the industry."

Best Practice Seminar Photos:

Masonry Best Practices Seminar Group - More than 40 OSHA Region VII, State Plan State and Consultation Program representatives attended the Masonry Best Practices Seminar presented by the OSHA and Mason Contractors Association of America on January 26, 2006.

Wall Bracing - OSHA staff from Region VII were provided hands-on training as part of the Masonry Best Practices Seminar presented by the OSHA and Mason Contractors Association of America Alliance on January 26, 2006.