A new communications effort that gained momentum in 2006 was the Division’s collaboration with LIUNA partners in safety seminars aimed at LIUNA signatory contractors. The Southern Nevada LECET co-sponsored one in Las Vegas in October and its success should spur similar events around the country next year. The Nevada event followed a similar seminar last spring in Rhode Island that was sponsored by the New England Laborers’ Training Trust Fund and Local Union #271.

 

“LIUNA has many big signatories, but most of our contractors are smaller companies that don’t have the resources to hire full-time safety consultants,” says OSH Senior Safety and Health Specialist Travis Parsons. “We know good safety and health programs can help them save money, retain workers and enhance their reputations, but they don’t have an easy way to get the information they need. The best practices seminars turned out to be a really effective way to connect with these folks.”

 

The half-day seminars featured a number of short presentations about key safety practices or about products and services available through the participating sponsors. Parsons represented the Fund at both events. OSHA, LIUNA leaders and training centers and corporate sponsors also participated.

 

“Too many union contractors don’t know very much about the Fund or what it and the other Tri-Funds can do to help them out,” says LHSFNA Management Co-Chairman Noel C. Borck. “Plus, they’re busy, under pressure to finish one job while trying to find time to bid on the next. Our experience this year shows that these seminars are an excellent way to mobilize and engage contractors. They can fit them into their busy schedules and they fill a real need.”