September 2, 2010

Jobsite safety a shared duty: Mechanical Contractors Association

CHICAGO

Who is responsible for safety on the jobsite: the individual, the government, the safety director, the worker or all of the above?

Everyone on the jobsite is responsible for safety. This simple, but often incorrectly answered question is from a mini quiz as part of biweekly “Safety Stuffers,” small flyers created by the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Chicago and sent out with weekly paychecks, to remind members of their United Association (UA) workforce about top safety concerns.

According to Stephen Lamb, executive vice-president of the MCA of Chicago, that particular safety message is especially important. “Effective workplace safety can only be achieved when everyone involved takes responsibility,” he said.

“Once they do, it is easier for everyone to work together as a team and watch out for each other. That is why the association, our member contractors, and our union workforce, UA local union 597, stand together in our dedication to workplace safety training.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in construction incurred the most fatalities of any industry in the private sector in 2008, despite the fact that the number of construction fatalities that year declined 20 per cent from the previous year, from 1,204 cases in 2007 to 969 cases. Fatality figures for 2009 have not yet been released.

“Safety must be a top priority on every jobsite,” said Dan Bulley, senior vice-president of MCA of Chicago and head of the safety committee. “We don’t take chances with our workforce. Union safety training, in combination with the educational programs offered by our association, provides our contractors and workers with the knowledge needed to work in optimal safety conditions.”

Research shows that union training in the construction industry provides more effective results than non-union programs. According to the study, union apprenticeship programs graduate a higher percentage of journey-level workers.

The 10-year study compared union and non-union training programs in Massachusetts and found that union programs enroll the majority of building trade apprentices.

The study also revealed that union programs are both larger and longer lasting than non-union programs, and are more successful at recruiting minorities and women.

DCN News Services

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