OSHA and NAIMA Announce Voluntary Work Practice Initiative

Government and Industry Partnership Produces Agreement

Alexandria, VA (May 18, 1999) - The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) announced today a comprehensive, voluntary work practice partnership between industry and government to maximize worker protection. The Health and Safety Partnership Program (HSPP) incorporates education and training for the manufacture, fabrication and installation of fiber glass, rock wool and slag wool products.

The HSPP is the result of a three-year cooperative effort to consolidate NAIMA and individual manufacturers' long-standing work practice initiatives under a single umbrella with government participation. Two of the largest insulation contractor associations - the National Insulation Association (NIA) and the Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA) - were directly involved in the HSPP development process with NAIMA and OSHA.

"This is a significant, substantive voluntary initiative that offers tremendous support to uniform work practices and worker education," said Ken Mentzer, executive vice president of NAIMA. "The HSPP demonstrates the industry's ongoing commitment to protecting the health and safety of those who provide the insulation that saves energy, enhances comfort, reduces pollution and benefits the environment."

According to NAIMA, the HSPP makes specific and uniform job site work recommendations for the proper and safe handling of insulation materials and provides a comprehensive education and training program for workers. The HSPP also establishes a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for fiber glass, rock wool and slag wool insulation materials.

NAIMA General Counsel Angus Crane said, "NAIMA took the initiative to forge this partnership with OSHA and invited unions and insulation contractors to participate in the process. Fiber glass and mineral wool fiber manufacturers and those who work every day with our products want to ensure that these materials are produced and used safely."

NIA Health and Safety Committee Chairman Ted Brodie said, "The HSPP is a major accomplishment for our industry, for the government and for our workers. The voluntary program allows our association's members to work with manufacturers toward achieving the highest level of safety and worker protection when using SVF products." NIA is the trade association representing the commercial and industrial insulation contractors.

Implementation of the HSPP will begin immediately as NAIMA initiates development of written materials to support training seminars and workshops around the country to promote worker safety.