Urgent Silica Update

Words: Jeff BuczkiewiczWe've just received word last night that there is a modified roll out for the new silica rule that begins enforcement on Saturday this week. For the first 30 days of enforcement OSHA will not issue citations to those employers who in good faith are trying to comply with the standard but are unable to reduce exposures or meet the requirements in Table 1. Instead OSHA will focus on providing compliance assistance and outreach in an effort to assist employers implementing the controls in Table 1.

Please understand that you need to working towards implementation and should have your training in place, written control exposure plan, and other components of the rule in place. You need to show that you have been working toward implementation and just have not completed some components yet and may need clarification from them on aspects of the rule. Likely they will not accept not having paperwork done as good faith efforts towards compliance. If they deem you not to be working towards compliance they may issue a citation. There is discussion that during this time frame that we may discuss expanding Table 1 a bit to include tasks that are deemed safe. Please click here to view a directive that was sent out last night from OSHA.

For those who assisted in our request for help in our last alert, we thank you as we think it was effective.
The Power of the STABILA Laser Technology
March 2026

In modern construction, accuracy is no longer a luxury; it is an expectation. From interior layouts to large-scale site preparation, professionals rely on tools that deliver fast, reliable, and accurate results. Among the most influential innovations of r

More Than Just A Material: Why Workforce Development Matters
March 2026

I was asked by the MCAA to share my path and objectives for Masonry Promotion and Outreach that I have worked on in NC over the years. To do that, I want to take you through my path and the key industry people that it took to impacted me for a lifelong ca

2025 Masonry Milestones
March 2026

Take a look back at 2025 to see the MCAA’s biggest achievements and most memorable events!

Brickworks Supply Centers Invite Masons to Register for New “Masons First” Program to Transform Transactional Relationships into Indispensable Partnerships.
March 2026