I learned today that Region 1 OSHA and Region 1 EPA (New England) have issued an EPA/OSHA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the RRP Lead Rule and other safety matters. This MOU (link below) has been signed by Region 1 OSHA and EPA officers. Essentially the two agencies will work together to ensure that EPA RRP Law  and OSHA safety standards are complied with on residential construction projects. Contractors may see both agencies riding together visiting job sites. 

OSHA respiratory training for Massachusetts RRP trained contractors. Seats are still available for 5/26/2011 for training in Marlborough Mass.

Last week we received 6 calls from homeowners in Mass regarding contractors' RRP License and Certification. Five calls were women and one was a man. The callers asked a lot of questions about the Mass RRP License and then asked us to look up their certification. We referred them to the state lead license list so they could confirm the information officially. In addition we gave the number to call a DOS RRP official just in case they needed to talk to someone from the state.

Another contractor has been fined by the EPA for violating lead laws. The company is a painting contractor caught working in violation of the law in Hillsboro, Oregon.

The Patrick and Murray administration from Massachusetts just announced a new program for Massachusetts citizens. The program is a free web based tool that will allow homeowners and businesses to verify workmen's compensation for Massachusetts contractors and other businesses. 

On 3/11/2011 I learned that the DOS is considering a sunset provision for contractors who sent in incomplete RRP lead applications. At the meeting Ernie Kelly from the DOS said; that even though there are 4000 Mass contractors who are Certified Firms on the EPA website, there are only 1000 in Mass. Contractors who Certified with the EPA before 7/9/2010 can apply for a license in Mass using the waiver form and not pay a fee. Yet only 1000 have done so.

Mass RRP trained contractors are holding back on applying for their Lead License. Last month I posted that there are over 4,000 EPA Certified Firms from Mass. Yet only 1000 firms have applied for their Mass license since 7/9/2011 when Mass took over. You would think that since the Mass license for firms certified before July is free that more would jump on board.

Not too long ago we predicted that homeowners would soon look more carefully into a contractors legal status and EPA RRP certification. One thing we didn't anticipate was a homeowner inquiring about a contractors compliance with OSHA requirements.

Homeowners, looking for the cheapest price are hiring illegal contractors at an alarming rate. Homeowners read and listen to the news and think that they can beat up any contractor to get a cheap price. Consumers are more inclined today to take a chance on the lowest price (which comes with the risk that the contractor is not playing by the rules) due to our current economic climate. They are willing to believe the cheap price will still get them a great job from desperate contractors. 

Yesterday, The Contractor Coaching Partnership and Safety Trainers, Inc. conducted a RRP/OSHA Respirator and Lead in Construction training for Massachusetts contractors. We developed this training to help Massachusetts RRP trained contractors prepare for the Mass Lead Safe Renovation Contractor application.