Safety and Health

The Local 5 Difference: Building Safe and Healthy Workplaces that Promote Worker Voice 

BAC Local 5 OK/AR/TX/NM protects union members on the job, provides members with information and tools to work safely, and promotes occupational safety for all trowel trades craftworkers.  

It is important for businesses and workers to communicate effectively to identify and solve issues before they begin. Learn more about workers' rights related to safety and health. 

Everybody has a responsibility to ensure that safe practices are followed. Contractors should foster an environment that provides for the health and well-being of their workers, while members should follow standard protocols and avoid hazards that could compromise the safety of themselves or their fellow workers. If you are working under any conditions where you feel unsafe, contact us. 

Member Assistance Program

The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers’ Member Assistance Program (MAP) exists to provide free, confidential support and referrals for members and their families who are in distress or are experiencing hardships. Staffed by licensed clinicians who specialize in working with matters that are unique to tradesmen and women and their families, MAP is distinctly qualified to help guide you forward through challenging times. From mental health concerns to substance use crises to interpersonal conflicts to financial adversity and everything in between, MAP is here to help. Click here to learn more about the member assistance program.

Please contact 1-833-MAP-TALK for more information.

Advocating for Safe Practices across the Region 

Local 5 provides information, training, and resources to equip our members to the best of our ability. 

Here are some recent developments. 

Stay Safe in the Heat 

BAC members across the country regularly work in conditions outdoors in direct sunlight or in enclosed spaces that are not climate-controlled. This leads construction workers to suffer from heat-related illnesses and, in severe cases, death.  

Before working in extreme heat, review the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) checklists: 

• Overall Heat-Illness Prevention Program Checklist for Construction 

• Daily Heat-Illness Prevention Checklist for Construction 

• Watch our latest Heat Hazards Webinar 

PPE   

• Department of Labor finalizes rule on proper fit requirements for personal protective equipment in construction 
• Selecting Head Protection for Construction Work 

Saws 

• Hand-Held Cut-Off Saws in Construction: Proper Use and Training Needed for Powerful Tools  

Backover Prevention 

• Top 5 Things You Need To Know. Click here for Spanish version 
• Mirror Safety Toolbox. Click here for Spanish version 

Resources  

• IUBAC 
• IMI 
• IMTEF 
• OSHA 
• CPWR 
• NIOSH 
• CCOHS