Passport Safety Program Kicks Off

"The Passport Safety Program which began in October is the first of its kind in the State of Ohio," remarked William Murphy, Director of Cincinnati OSHA, shown here (photo not available) with, Ron Gilbert of Safety Systems whose firm will be providing the training; Dayton City Commissioner, Lloyd Lewis, Howard Krisher, Management Chairperson of the Joint Safety Committee. Walter "Bud" Lipinski, Business Mgr. Local 162, and Jerry O'Leary, International Representative of the United Association of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, and Refrigeration Workers.

The Passport Safety Program is an unprecedented partnership that came about as a result of the collective bargaining agreement that was ratified in June 1998. Teamed with OSHA, an approved core curriculum in safety and health was developed and implemented by Safety Systems, Inc. with additional consultation by labor and management representatives.

Passport's key benefit is apparent in this unique program's very name. Rather than wasting time and resources by providing costly and duplicative training for each employee at each job, MCA member contractors can draw from a pool of qualified workers from Local 162 who have already taken OSHA approved safety training on their own time at the Union Hall through Passport. These employees can present personal certifications that are universally recognized by OSHA at any MCA member job site just like a passport is recognized universally, and is effective anywhere. With this certification in hand, Local 162 Members are ready to perform their craft without delay or extra expense. Passport Safety is just another example of efficiency and savings inherent in an owners decision to use the MCA Advantage.

The classes cover fall protection, and confined space safety along with electrical hazard safety and the safe handling of power tools.

MCA members support strong safety programs so that the work sites remain safe areas for the benefit of the workers and the increased value for the customer. Safety is such an important aspect of determining qualified contractors that even the well-known Business Roundtables organization representing CEOs of 200 major U. S. industrial corporations considered banning any contractor who does not train its workers.

MCA members provide the training in conjunction with the aggressive, state-of-the-art education offered by the local apprenticeship program. This 100+ year-old program provides top quality training from first-year apprentice to journeyman.

"Eventually," remarked Terry Seibert, head instructor for the Plumbers, Pipe Fitters and Refrigeration Workers of the United States, Local 162, "the classes in the Passport Safety Program will be added into the already vigorous safety training provided for apprentices!"

Providing this enhanced training goes a long way in supporting customers who choose to have the best ... members of The Mechanical Contractors of Greater Dayton. Call the Association Office for details at 937-294-2697 or see the Program Overview and Schedule of Classes.