THE NEWS
Now streaming: PCA Painter Training Series T If you’re looking to fast-track new employees or provide meaningful refreshers to existing crews, PCA Painter Training can help. The video series is streaming on PCA Overdrive and will offer Level 1, 2 and 3 training for both interior and exterior painting, presented by both English- and Spanish-speakers (NOTE: at the time of this printing, Interior and Exterior Level 1 were available. Others will be made available throughout 2022). In addition, employees can progress through topics, building their skills and competence, and achieve certification by enrolling in the online course version. The entire training series is free to PCA members and is available in both English and Spanish. Nonmembers can currently access the Level 1 videos for free. PCAPaintEd.org/training
PCA adds health insurance to member benefits T The PCA recently partnered with The Health Benefit Alliance to offer its members the most complete and costeffective ACA-compliant health plan solutions. Designed to provide lower- and moderate-income employees with access to truly affordable coverage—while also providing higher-end plan designs for management, executives and business owners—the HBA options are built on copay plans, not high deductibles. Key features include family plans for under $1,000 per month, fully ACA-compliant Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans, $0 deductibles in and out of network, access to any doctor or hospital, no minimum employer contribution requirement, and multiple plan options. Hourly and salaried, full-time and part-time employees are all eligible, and enrollment is fast and easy. PCAMedicalBenefits.com
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inPAINT | Mar/Apr 2022
OSHA launches online portal for Volunteer Protection Programs T OSHA has made it easier for companies to create and maintain a culture of safety using a new online portal. Part of the organization’s Voluntary Protection Programs, the portal simplifies the application process for companies that qualify for the program. Applicants can upload electronic versions of supporting documentation and can pause, then complete applications later without having to restart. OSHA’s verification includes an application review and a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. Qualifying companies can earn recognition at one of three levels: Star, Merit and Demonstration. OSHA.gov/vpp/all-about-vpp
Financing at your fingertips T BlueTape, a financing and payment company catering to the construction industry, recently announced the launch of a Buy Now Pay Later feature. Working with building material suppliers across the country, the platform provides financing options to underserved small- and mediumsized businesses that have limited opportunities to access financial resources. Using the platform, pros can buy materials now and pay back over time using 30-, 60- or 90-day financing options, all with fast online processing. So fast, in fact, you can get real-time approval and pay for invoices with a few clicks on your phone from jobsites or wherever it is convenient. BlueTape.com/contractors
