MCAA testifies at OSHA Silica Hearings

Words: Jeff BuczkiewiczOn March 31, 2014, the MCAA testified about the impact the new OSHA silica proposed rule will have on the masonry industry.

Rashod Johnson, MCAA Engineering Consultant led for MCAA questioning the need for a new silica rule that deviates from the ASTM standard on silica. There were several discrepancies between the two that were discussed. Two major issues were the PEL 100 in the ASTM standard, .50 with a .25 action level in the proposed OSHA standard. The other critical issue was the over burdensome medical surveillance required in the proposed OSHA standard.

The MCAA went on to discuss concerns with the technological feasibility of the new rule and the economic feasibility. In addition the MCAA was very concerned about the table one option listed in the proposed rule and the complexity and admission of guilt assumed by using the table. Using the table would immediately trigger the need to comply with the medical surveillance required by the proposed standard, we found that to be very problematic.

The MCAA testified separately from their Construction Industry Safety Council alliance to spotlight the issues unique to the masonry industry. The MCAA plans to file follow-up comments before the end of that filing deadline to add additional concern to the record regarding the proposed rule. “It is our hope that OSHA will recognize the unique nature of construction (as they always have in previous rules) and come back with a silica rule that separates out construction from general industry” said Mark Kemp, MCAA Chairman. Look for more information as the process moves forward.

It is critically important for our industry to work to beat this effort in every way possible. One of those ways is politically. In order to do that, we need to have resources for our PAC to help get politicians elected that agree with our issues. Please consider giving to the MAC PAC today to help our efforts legislatively. There is a new program called “Make an Impact” and information explaining the program is available at www.masoncontractors.org/macpac. We truly hope that if you have not done so yet, that you will Make An Impact this year and join us in our efforts to elect representatives who support our issues. If you have any questions on any of these programs, please feel free to contact Jeff Buczkiewicz at 800-536-2225.
About: Legislative
The Return of Restraint: How "Quiet Luxury" Is Influencing Masonry Design
November 2026

For years, exterior design seemed to follow a familiar cycle: bigger statements, bolder contrasts, and whatever trend happened to dominate social media that season. Today, many customers are asking for something different. They're asking for homes that fe

Chad Riley
Stone Savvy
Sponsored
Read More
Rent or Buy? Making Smarter Mixer Equipment Decisions
November 2026

For masonry contractors, deciding whether to rent or purchase a concrete or mortar mixer involves more than comparing rental rates with purchase prices. Equipment availability, crew productivity, maintenance, and frequency of use can all influence the lon

Abigail Spung Allyssa Costanza
MAP Partner
Read More
Bonding with Masonry 2026: Q4
November 2026

This issue’s questions come from an Engineer and a Masonry Inspector. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention: Technical Talk. Q. An Engineer states that he attended a seminar and was told that to design reinforced

David Biggs
Technical Talks
Read More
Hohmann & Barnard, Inc. Returns as a Cornerstone Partner in 2027
November 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that Hohmann & Barnard, Inc. will return as a Cornerstone Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

MAP Partner
MAP Partner
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →