OSHA Silica Rulemaking

Words: Jeff BuczkiewiczThe Department of Labor just released its 2015 Fall Regulatory Agenda, which states that OSHA will issue the final rule for Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica in February 2016. The silica timetable is somewhat surprising, as it was expected that the final rule would likely be issued next fall/winter.

As members of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), the MCAA and its members are urged to contact the Chairman and Ranking Members of the US House and Senate Appropriations Committee asking them to support the Hoeven Amendment Language. The Hoeven Amendment is a good compromise that asks the Agency to answer a number of legitimate questions before going forward to finalize the regulation. Suggested talking points for this call can be downloaded here.

Language of the Hoeven Amendment is included in the Senate Labor-HHS-Ed bill (S.1695) in Section 115 which starts on page 41 at: https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s1695/BILLS-114s1695pcs.pdf

Access the Appropriations Committee members at: http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/about/members

Thank you for your attention to this important industry request.
About: Legislative
Masonry as the Standard: Delivering Strength, Durability, and Permanence at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs
July 2026

The replacement of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs serves as a clear example of masonry’s ability to deliver long-term durability, structural integrity, and architectural permanence in worship facility construction. Following the tragic events

Designing Masonry Openings Without Compromising Aesthetics
July 2026

One of masonry's greatest strengths is its ability to create visually striking architecture. From arches and deep reveals to decorative brick detailing, masonry provides texture, depth, and character that continue to inspire architects today. As buildin

Restoring the Breath of the Building: The Life-Saving Science Behind Historic Masonry Repairs
July 2026

When I first set out to become a historic preservation and restoration mason, I imagined that most of my trade would involve repairing the effects of old age. Instead, 99 percent of my work is attempting to stabilize and reverse damage caused by recent an

Laying the Foundation for the Future: Workforce Development at the Arizona Masonry Council
July 2026

For generations, masonry has been built on a simple but powerful principle: knowledge passed from one set of hands to the next. In Arizona, the Arizona Masonry Council (AMC) is working to ensure that tradition continues by investing in one of the industr