PCA, MSHA renew safety alliance, USA

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) renewed an alliance designed to foster safer and more healthful working conditions in the cement industry.??Originally signed in 2008, the agreement allows PCA and MSHA to combine resources and expertise to provide cement industry personnel with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help protect the health and safety of all cement manufacturing employees.

“The safety and health of the employees, neighbours and customers of cement manufacturers is the industry’s first consideration in the production and distribution of a quality product,” Brian McCarthy, PCA CEO said. “This agreement allows us to proactively address worker safety and health issues through a variety of channels.”

As part of the agreement, a representative team of both organisations will meet regularly to address working procedures. Planned activities include conducting annual summary analyses of incidence rates for US cement plants; developing mechanisms for sharing best practices and effective approaches to improve operator and contract safety; and collaboration on emergency response, rescue and recover techniques.