The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is the research arm of OSHA, reports that narcotics—i.e., opioids— account for 29 percent of prescription costs covered by workers’ compensation. Construction workers are constantly moving and handling materials in ways that can lead to strains, sprains, ligament tears and pulled muscles. Opioid prescriptions are very common, but the drugs are highly addictive. However, employers can help prevent their workers from becoming addicted to opioids. The attached article on How to Mitigate the Abuse of Construction’s Drug of Choice was provided to MCAA  by long-time partner in safety… CNA.

Learn More

OSHA’s new standard on Respirable Crystalline Silica is enforceable as of Saturday, September 23, 2017. However, employers who make good faith efforts to comply will receive compliance assistance from OSHA up to October 23, 2017. The agency is developing interim inspection and citation guidelines, which will be made available prior to October 23rd. MCAA will provide you with access to the guidelines as soon as they become available.

Learn More

The support of MCAA’s affiliated associations to our Disaster Relief Fund has been tremendous. A big THANK YOU goes out to the 42 that have contributed to date: MCA of Colorado, Western New York Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors, MCA of Omaha, Mid-Atlantic MCA, ARCA/MCA, Northern California MCA, MCA of Connecticut, MCA of Chicago, MCA of Rockford, Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois MCA, MCA of Indiana, MCA Central Gulf Coast, MCA of Maryland, New England MCA, Mid-Michigan MCA, West Michigan MCA, MCA of Detroit, MCA of Eastern Missouri, MCA of Kansas City, MCA of Las Vegas, MCA of New Jersey, MCA of New York, MCA of the Capital District, MCA of Akron, MCA of Central Ohio, MCA of Cleveland, Lima Area MCA, MCA of Northwestern Ohio, PMCA of Oregon, M&SCA of Eastern Pennsylvania, MCA of Western Pennsylvania, MCA of Memphis, MCA of Dallas, MCA of Fort Worth, MCA of Houston, Utah MCA, MCA of Western Washington, MCA of North Central Wisconsin, MCA of Northwest Wisconsin, MCA of Ontario and MCA of Toronto. THANK YOU AGAIN!

Nineteen plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC techs and office employees of MCAA member Graco Mechanical were victimized by Hurricane Harvey. Each received a $1,000 check from MCAA’s Disaster Relief Fund, thanks to the incredible generosity of MCAA’s affiliated associations, contractor, manufacturer and supplier members and many individual donors. We should ALL be proud of the good work we are doing to help our UA and MCAA family members whose lives have been turned upside down by Harvey. We are, together, indeed MCAA&UA STRONG!

The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) recently shared the results of research regarding the use of sharp vs. dull drill bits for drilling into concrete. The research was performed by Dr. David Rempel and his team at the University of California’s Center for Occupational and Environmental Health. In three experiments the research team showed that a worker’s exposure to noise, tool vibration and airborne silica dust increases substantially as a bit wears down from continued use.

The team designed a test bench system (pictured) that allows the researchers to test for and measure potential exposures to several hazards generated by different hammer drills – information that can help contractors and workers select and purchase safer tools. The test bench uses a mannequin torso attached to a slide mounted with equipment to measure a worker’s potential exposure to silica dust, noise, and the force and vibration that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. The test bench also measures productivity – that is, how quickly the drill penetrates the concrete.

In their experiments, the team used a common hammer drill and carbide-tipped bit, isolating the effect of wear on the drill bit. As expected, heavily worn bits took much more time to penetrate the concrete than new ones, adding up to 60% to the time required to drill a 3” deep hole. Moreover, the worn bit increased the risk for illness and injury, generating about twice as much airborne silica dust, was almost two decibels (dBA) louder, and produced a small but significant increase in handle vibration. Combined, that means that a worker using a worn drill bit is exposed to more dust, noise and vibration, and for a longer period of time.  These results underscore the importance of replacing worn bits.

In a separate study, the team found that the best measures of wear on a carbide-tipped bit were reduced width of the tip and rounding of the tip shoulders.  Contractors and workers can check the condition of a bit by following these wear patterns.

While vacuums to control the dust and hearing protection will still be needed, the increase in productivity along with the reduced exposure to silica dust, noise, and vibration makes a strong safety and business case for regularly replacing worn drill bits.

In preparation for impending hurricanes, partner in safety CNA developed four planning guides covering flooding, hail, and business continuity. CNA has graciously made the guides available to MCAA members who may need them. All four guides are accessible below.

Flood Preparation Guide

Flood Preparation Checklist

Hail Preparation Guide

Business Continuity Planning Guide

OSHA’s new silica rule becomes enforceable on September 23, 2017. MCAA has several silica safety resources that are available to members for free as a benefit of membership. In addition, CNA, a long-time partner in safety with MCAA, is sharing its silica compliance course with MCAA members. Links to the silica safety resources are listed below.  If you have any questions, please contact Pete Chaney at pchaney@mcaa.org or 301-990-2214.

• An MCAA Safety Bulletin that highlights key provisions and summarizes the rule;
• An MCAA Guide to Silica Safety;
• A silica safety training video and accompanying pocket guide, documentation sheet, test and test answer key;
• A model silica exposure control plan; and
• CNA’s Silica Compliance Course