AGREEMENT RENEWING THE ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND THE
MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) hereby renew the Alliance agreement signed March 17, 2004. OSHA and MCAA continue to recognize the value of collaborative efforts to achieve workplace safety. Both groups will encourage employers, including small businesses, to increase employee access to safety and health information and training resources, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to hazards associated with masonry wall bracing, scaffolding, silica and forklift operations. In renewing this Alliance, OSHA and MCAA recognize that OSHA's State Plan and Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.

OSHA and MCAA will work together to achieve the following training and education goal:

• Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs for MCAA members and others in the masonry industry regarding masonry wall bracing, scaffolding, silica and forklift operations and to provide expertise in communicating such information to employers and employees in the industry.

OSHA and MCAA will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:

• Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g. print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and the MCAA Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.
• Speak or appear at OSHA's or MCAA's conferences, local meetings, or national association events.
• Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding MCAA best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by MCAA and through OSHA- or MCAA-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
• Promote and encourage MCAA members' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, and the Consultation Program and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
• Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects on designing for safety, masonry wall bracing, scaffolding, silica, and forklift operations that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
• Encourage MCAA chapters and/or contractors to build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues, including, masonry wall bracing, scaffolding, silica and forklift operations.

OSHA and MCAA will work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health:

• Develop and disseminate case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health and publicize their results.
• Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on masonry wall bracing, scaffolding, silica and forklift operations issues to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.

OSHA's Alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as training and education, outreach and communication and promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health. These Alliances have proved to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with a party, OSHA is not endorsing any of that party's products or services; nor does the Agency enter into an Alliance with the purpose of promoting a particular party's products or services.

An implementation team made up of representatives of both organizations will meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least three times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. Team members will include representatives of OSHA's Directorate of Construction, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs and any other appropriate offices. OSHA will encourage State Plan States' and OSHA Consultation Projects' participation on the team.

This renewal will remain in effect for two years. The signatories may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days written notice. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of all signatories.