May 12, 2006 10:00 AM CDT

BIA Joins OSHA in Alliance

By Masonry

On March 20, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) formed an Alliance with the Brick Industry Association (BIA) that will focus on reducing ergonomic-related injuries, and preventing exposure to workplace hazards.

"The Brick Industry Association is taking a stand to foster safer work environments for employees in their industry," said OSHA Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor Jonathan L. Snare. "We look forward to drawing from our joint expertise to provide workers the education and training they need to stay safe and healthy on the job."

Added BIA President and CEO Richard Jennison: "The brick industry is pleased to collaborate with OSHA on the development and communication of best practices' in such important areas of employee health and safety as ergonomics and silica. This should facilitate a constructive dialogue, resulting in a heightened knowledge level for brick manufacturing employees in these areas."

BIA is a national trade association representing distributors and manufacturers of clay brick and suppliers of related products and services, including brick masonry. The association's 40 manufacturers operate nearly 150 plants that produce more than 85 percent of the brick shipped in the U.S. and Canada.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov or www.gobrick.com.

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About the Author

Masonry, the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America, covers every aspect of the mason contractor profession - equipment and techniques, building codes and standards, business planning, promoting your business, legal issues and more. Read or subscribe to Masonry magazine at www.masonrymagazine.com.