Southwest Service Administrators, Inc.

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Southwest Multi-Craft Health & Welfare Trust Fund

 

 

SAFETY INCENTIVE PROGRAM F.A.Q.

The Board of Trustees are pleased to provide an annual bonus to those qualified employees who actively promote workplace safety through continued education offered through an approved program of the Safety Incentive Program.

 

Revised Safety Incentive Notice to Participants & FAQ  

The Fund will no longer mail applications to participants and will require you to obtain the application online or by visiting your Employer, Local Union, Joint Apprenticeship Training Center or Fund Office. You must obtain and submit your application with all required proof of Core Classes to the Fund Office new located at 6121 Indian School RD NE, Suite 123, Albuquerque, NM 87110  by the October 15th deadline. You may also submit your application online via Secure Message by registering at www.ssatpa.com and by clicking "Contact Us/Secure Message".  Following registration you will will able to complete the form for submission or upload the form electronically.  Please contact the Fund Office directly for assistance. See the Tip Sheet for details along the Participant Notice.

It is your responsibility to complete the application completely and supply proof of all required Core Classes. Your Email must also must be provided on your application along with your signature and date. Your Employer, Local Union or Training Center will not collect or submit your application to the Fund Office.

 

What classes do I need to take for 2024?

Eight hours of skills upgrade is required annuallywith the exception of Apprentices who attend classes frequently.

The employee will receive four points per 8-hour class, however, he or she may not use it to meet the Core Classes requirement if he or she is paid by an employer to attend the class.

                                                                                           

Examples includes: scaffolding, fall protection, forklift, silica, and AED.  For Teamsters, examples include defensive driving, food safety, and equipment mechanics.

  AND

You must complete Required Core Classes as listed in any - one (1) of the four (4) options below and supply copies with your application:

  1. An OSHA 10 or 30-hour Safety Class every 3 years plus a Globally Harmonized Systems (GHS) class for a minimum of 3 hours or if already taken the GHS 3-hour class, a 1-hour refresher or Asbestos Refresher.
  2. An MHSA approved 24-hour initial training class plus a GHS class for a minimum of 3 hours. If the initial training class has been completed, then an MHSA 8-hour Refresher and a GHS 1-hour refresher class or Asbestos Refresher
  3. An OSHA 10 or 30-hour Safety Class every 3 years plus a HAZWOPER 40-hour class or if already taken the HAZWOPER class, a Hazardous Waste Worker Refresher 1-hour class or Asbestos Refresher.
  4. An OSHA 500 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for Construction for the 1st year. After the 1st year, a GHS class for a minimum of 3 hours of if already taken the GHS 3-hour class, a 1-hour refresher or Asbestos Refresher.

Classes on Paid Time:

If your employer pays you for time that you spend in a safety class, you will not receive points for that class. However, if it is a Required Core Class, other than skills upgrade, you will not be disqualified from earning points toward a safety incentive bonus.

 

Frequent Asked Questions

 

How do I know if I’m eligible for the Safety Incentive Bonus?

Check with the Administrative Office to verify the Labor Agreement under which you work states that your Health and Welfare benefits include the Safety Incentive Program.

 

Do I have to work a certain number of hours to qualify for the Safety Incentive Bonus?

Yes, Hour Bank Employees must perform work covered by the Labor Agreement for at least 360 hours between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024.  Qualified Stationary Employees must perform work covered by the Labor Agreement with contributions to the Fund at least three (3) months between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024.

 

How do I apply for a Safety Incentive Bonus? 

Obtain and complete the Safety Incentive Application form and return the application to the Fund Office no later than October 15th. All applications must be signed and include copies of proof of the classes taken, such as training cards, certificates and/or transcripts. You may also register at www.ssatpa.com to securely upload or electonically submit the application. 

 

Applications only taken from September 1, 2024 thru October 15, 2024.

Is there a deadline to apply

Yes, all applications must be received by October 15, 2024

The Trustees strongly recommend that you VERIFY that your application has been received by the Fund Office prior to the deadline at (505) 265-8422 or (800) 432-6636

 

Can I fax information to the Fund Office? Yes, the fax number is (505) 266-9358.

 

If I've taken classes, but have not yet received the cards as proof, what must I supply?

You must contact the Local Union, JATC or class instructor for proof of classes taken and submit this proof with your application. Proof of classes is required.

 

If I take more classes, will I be rewarded with a larger Safety Incentive Bonus?

Yes, if you provide proof of completion of an additional class from a Qualified Program, you will receive 2 points for every 4 hours of class up to a maximum of 24 points for the plan year. 

 

When do I need to take classes?

OSHA classes must be taken within the last three Plan years (September 1, 2021 and August 31, 2024).  ** OSHA cards expire three (3) years to the day that is on your card***

All other classes must be completed within the last Plan Year of September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024.

 

Can I take Safety classes anywhere or online?

Not generally.  Only classes offered by certain entities and taught by:

US DOL OSHA certified instructors or

US DOL MHSA certified instructors or

the Red Cross or

another certifying entity recognized by the Board of Trustees, such as:

            Any construction industry Union within NM, AZ, West TX or UT

            Any jointly trusteed training or apprenticeship program in NM, AZ, West TX or UT

            The NM Building Branch, Associated General Contractors; or

            Any Contributory Employer.

An exception to the above-mentioned entities and instructors must be approved in advance in writing by the Board of Trustees.

 

When will the Bonus checks be distributed?

The Bonus checks are generally distributed in early December.

 

What if my application is denied?

You may appeal the denial or calculation of your Safety Incentive Bonus by sending a written request for review to the Board of Trustees at the Fund Office at 6121 Indian School RD NE, Suite 123, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

Your appeal must be submitted within 60 days of receiving a denial or a bonus check.  Your appeal must state clearly and precisely what you want the Board to review, what action you want the Board to take and why you think the Board should so act.