ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has successfully completed its sixth year of a comprehensive, voluntary work practice program developed in conjunction with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and key contractor organizations.

Adopted on May 18, 1999, the NAIMA Health and Safety Partnership Program (HSPP) is designed to protect worker health and safety by providing specific and uniform jobsite work practice recommendations for the manufacture, fabrication, and installation of fiberglass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products. The HSPP also provides a comprehensive education and training program for workers.

In its annual report to OSHA, NAIMA reiterates the industry's commitments to the HSPP and describes how those commitments were satisfied. The report documents that NAIMA has met and, in many cases, surpassed its obligations this year.

NAIMA president and chief executive officer Ken Mentzer noted that "NAIMA and its members have a longstanding commitment to the safe manufacture and use of insulation. The active implementation of the HSPP, such as providing information on exposure levels and distributing work practice information, is a natural ex-tension of that commitment."

The report demonstrates the success of the NAIMA and OSHA partnership in launching the HSPP. Angus Crane, NAIMA's vice president and general counsel, who is responsible for the HSPP program said, "NAIMA is confident that with OSHA's support the HSPP will continue to be a success in promoting safe work practices and a testament to effective government-industry partnerships."

Publication date: 06/06/2005