Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ)

INCORPORATED MASTERBUI LDERS ASSOC I AT ION OF JAMA I CA ( IMAJ ) through email, as well as Instagram and Facebook and their website. The segment of membership that doesn’t do social media are still kept well informed by email and they know to check the website for updates. IMAJ is activity driven, so they are presently running a series of webinars – one every two weeks. Most IMAJ programs are heavily discounted for members, but the webinars are free and available to the public. Anyone can register and participate. Another benefit of the Association, and something most people aren’t aware of, is that IMAJ has an in-house consultant who will answer questions from the public about anything related to construction. The service is largely for householders who are doing small projects and need some guidance. They can call in and that resource is provided for free on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Currently, the construction industry in Jamaica is experiencing a fair amount of activity. Kelly reports, “The private sector is doing quite a bit trade training body. They will come in and assess the worker; if they pass the test, they get a skills certificate that acknowledges their qualifications to do a certain job. We do scholarships, too, for students in high schools and those in college who are in construction and engineering.” Respecting the importance of occupational safety training, IMAJ created a safety manual that was signed off by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the unions for Jamaica’s existing occupational health and safety laws. It’s in a comic book format, so workers who can’t read will see the pictures and know what it’s about. Kelly notes, “When a worker comes onsite, you do a safety orientation with them and then they are issued a book. The management of the site signs that they will supply them with the safety gear, and the employee signs that they will abide by the safety rules. People buy our manual in batches of ten or up to the hundreds, so they have enough for each worker.” The Association communicates with members