NAIMA GIVES OSHA FIRST ANNUAL REPORT ON WORKER PROTECTION PROGRAM

Partnership with OSHA Fulfills Objectives In Advance of Timeline

WASHINGTON, DC — May 18, 2000 — The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has successfully completed, ahead of schedule, the first steps of a comprehensive, voluntary work practice program developed in conjunction with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and key contractor organizations. This achievement comes on the one-year anniversary of the official endorsement of the Health and Safety Partnership Program (HSPP). Adopted on May 18, 1999, the HSPP is designed to protect worker health and safety by providing specific and uniform job site work practice recommendations for the manufacture, fabrication and installation of fiber glass, rock wool and slag wool insulation products. The HSPP also provides a comprehensive education and training program for workers.

In its first annual report to OSHA, NAIMA reiterated the industry’s commitments to the HSPP and described how those commitments were satisfied. The report documented that NAIMA has not only fulfilled the obligations scheduled for completion by May 2000, but has surpassed them.

"In just the first year of the 8-year HSPP, NAIMA has made significant progress in implementing the HSPP. We have completed more than 10 worker-training sessions across the country, developed the industry’s exposure database, and produced a series of promotional and educational materials," said Ken Mentzer, President of NAIMA. "Our success in the first year and the positive feedback from users and insulation installers underscores our members commitment to this program and to the health and safety of industry workers."

"We are pleased with the progress NAIMA has made in building a foundation for the Health and Safety Partnership Program. The insulation industry has demonstrated its commitment to protecting workers," said OSHA Administrator Charles Jeffress. "We applaud NAIMA and its members and look forward to continuing our work together on this important program in the coming years."

As part of the HSPP, NAIMA has three years to fully implement all program elements, followed by a five-year compliance period. During the coming years, NAIMA will continue its development of written materials to support training seminars and will conduct workshops around the country to promote worker safety.