Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health
Diversity, Multilingual, Women in Construction
Co-Chairs: Liz Arioto, Laurie Shadrick, Dan Zarletti

Welcome/Self Introductions

Last Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2011 Discussions

The meeting started at 10:15 a.m. and recorded 29 attendees. (See attached)

Jim Maddux, Director Directorate of Construction opened our session with the following comments: Mr. Maddux requested to see the draft copy of the Women in Construction website. After Danezza Quintero presented a copy of the webpage to the workgroup, Mr. Maddux asked the group to review the webpage and provide feedback and information which will also be listed on the webpage. He also requested the workgroup develop a guidance document on the sanitation standard as it relates to women in construction. He is awaiting ACCSH's recommendations on this important matter.

Len Welsh; Former Chief of Cal-OSHA and presently the Chief of Workplace Safety with the California State Insurance Fund. Via teleconference, Mr. Welsh explained how Cal-OSHA has succeeded in providing adequate sanitation facilities for women in construction. This was not a controversial subject but rather quickly became the norm throughout the State. These safety practices also had a minimal effect on contractors from a monetary standpoint. Mr. Welsh concluded that separate sanitation facilities are required if even one women is present and they appreciated a key/lock procedure to access these facilities with adequate security. Exception: Five employees or less.

Dan Zarletti added that medical studies show the importance of regular urination, with women generally needing to void more frequently than men. Adverse health effects that may result from voluntary urinary retention include increased frequency of urinary tract infections (UTI's) and, in rare situations, renal damage. (Epidemiology of Infrequent Voiding and Associated Symptoms). Studies further confirm that UTI's are a definite consequence of being denied frequent access to clean sanitation facilities and could be considered an OSHA recordable illness. Dan explained the vicious cycle that finds women failing to drink enough fluids to remain hydrated while at work because they either find insufficient facilities or facilities that are not clean or secure which can lead to heat related illnesses. This is clearly a condition arising out of their workplace.

Walter Jones stated that OSHA recognizes the gender issue but not as it relates to a hazard.

Gerry Ryan stated it is "a common sense issue" and why can't this issue just get done?

Pete Stafford agreed that the work group proceed with a guidance document.

Michael Alverez, former manager for Cal-OSHA Consultation Services presented via teleconference, an explanation of "targeted programs" developed by Dr. John Howard, Director of NIOSH which included specific issues on discrimination and sanitation. Mr. Alverez suggested a "campaign" to confirm acceptance in the field along with a guidance document on the intent and mission. Handout material included viable points of his presentation.

Steve Hawkins and Letitia Davis stated that a workplace violence directive has already been released.

Liz Arioto attended a program sponsored under a Harwood Grant, titled Preventing Sprains, Strains and Repetitive Motion Injuries, produced by the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, AFL-CIO, through Laura Boatman; and the Labor Occupational Health Program, University of California, Berkeley; Nazima EI-Askair. Liz stated it was an outstanding training program and provided a copy of the entire course to all ACCSH members.

Pete Stafford said that U.S. construction is made up of 3% women, which translates to approximately 300,000 workers; more than all of the miners covered by MSHA.

Letitia Davis volunteered to work with staff at CPWR to prepare a brief summary of statistics on employment of women in construction for inclusion on the OSHA website.

Bill Herring and Gerry Ryan will be providing the work group with pictures to be uploaded to the webpage.

Handouts included:

• Why Green is Your Color; opportunities for Green jobs
• WIC, "Providing Equitable Safety and Health Protection"
• CDC, "Women's Safety and Health Issues at Work"
• Sanitation Standards, OSHA, Shipyard and Cal-OSHA
• Traveler's Insurance Company (Translator)
• Women Building California and the Nation, flyer

Adjourned at 11:45 A.M.

Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health
Diversity - Women in Construction Work Group Meeting

May 09, 2012 Washington D. C.; 10:15 A.M.

Attendees

^†ACCSH Members