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
Case Study: Kyle Field at Texas A&M
June 2026

The $450 million redevelopment of Texas A&M’s football stadium, Kyle Field, was one of the most high-profile projects in Echelon and Amerimix history. With the renovation, Kyle Field’s capacity increased to 102,733, making it the biggest college stadium i

Case Study
Read More
Australian Bricks vs American Bricks: What 24 Hours of Travel Teaches You About the Trade
June 2026

Bricklaying might not change simply because you cross a state line. It does change when you travel 24 hours to the other side of the world and lay bricks under lights, cameras, and a stopwatch. The fundamentals of the trade are universal. Brick, mortar,

Technical Talks
Read More
2026 Masonry Foundation Grants Now Open
June 2026

The Masonry Foundation is dedicated to advancing the masonry industry and is accepting grant applications for 2026. Proposals should have national reach and aim to generate substantial progress within the masonry industry. To explore examples of past gra

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
June 2026

As a business owner and leader, taking the mental health of your employees seriously and understanding how it can impact their work is essential. In fact, one in five adults experiences a mental health condition annually. Addressing mental health is more

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