Masonry Research to Practice (r2p) Partnership
JOURNAL: ISSUE 1 - 2014
BAC, IMI and ICE regularly join forces to advance opportunities for members and signatory contractors. In 2010, they formed the Masonry Research to Practice (r2p) Partnership to raise members' and contractors' awareness of potential hazards and use of equipment and work practices to prevent injuries and illnesses. Supported by CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training through a NIOSH grant, the Partnership is also serving as a model for others in the construction industry. Since it was established, the Partnership has developed several resources, training materials, and articles to promote safer equipment and work practices, including, for example:
- The Mast Climber website, which contains information on how use of this type of adjustable scaffold can reduce the risk for back and shoulder injuries, as well as training, regulatory, and manufacturer information -- http://www.cpwr.com/research/mast-climbers
- Safety Intervention Sheets, including one on alternatives to the 7-1/4" sawfor cutting masonry products -- http://www.icebac.org/.
- Tool box talks and articles, including IMI's toolbox talk "Preventing Hearing Loss" (http://www.imiweb.org/imi_toolkit/pdf/HearingProtection03292012.pdf, and Journal articles on noise hazards and the importance of using hearing protection – Did You Hear That? http://bacweb.org/train_edu_safety/safetyhealth/news/2012_02/safety3.php
To learn more about the Partnership's activities, be sure to visit www.masonryr2ppartnership.org.
Proposed Silica Rule Update
As you read this issue of the Journal, BAC President James Boland and Executive Vice President Gerard Scarano are preparing to testify during the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) public hearings on its proposed silica standard. After the close of these hearings, a period of briefing will begin as part of OSHA's record-gathering process; a period that could last for several weeks or months. OSHA will then take several months to review the full record, based on the proposed standard, the comments submitted on the proposed rule, the public hearing testimony and supporting information, and the post-hearing briefs. BAC is hopeful that we are nearing the finish line of this marathon and that the final standard will be issued by 2015. Please continue to contact us with questions or if you would like to share your stories or information at silica@bacweb.org.