Silica Rule Full Implementation Begins October 23

Words: Jeff BuczkiewiczOSHA will begin full implementation of their new silica rule on Monday, October 23, 2017. At that time, the soft roll out will end and companies will need to be in full compliance of the rule.

The MCAA is working with the Construction Industry Safety Coalition to track as many citations of the new rule as possible. We are working on developing a program that would give members access to a very short call with the silica coalition law firm to address any citations. It will be critically important that as this process begins that we track these citations.

The coalition has been very unhappy with clarity and direction on enforcement and feels full enforcement will begin a process of very different enforcement in different parts of the country which will create confusion. For that reason, we ask for your help in tracking these issues so we can address them at the national level. We are afraid that interpretation will be very broad and want to help you to make sure your OSHA officers are enforcing the rule the way it was intended.

If you get a citation, please contact the MCAA office at 800-536-2225 and ask to speak with Jeff. We will likely ask for a copy of the citation and move forward with any assistance we can provide. We appreciate in advance of your help with this and we hope you don’t have to act on this request.

We have included a link to OSHA enforcement guidance for your reference.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the MCAA office 800-536-2225 or visit www.masoncontractors.org/silica.
No Shortcuts: The Journey of Real Stone
February 2026

Have you ever stopped and really thought about how that stone on the wall got there? I don’t mean the install...not the mortar, the scratch coat, or the clean-up. I mean the whole journey. From the first cut in the earth to the

Stop Gambling on the Wall: Why the Modern Jobsite Demands a Sure Thing
February 2026

If you have spent any time walking the carpeted aisles of the World of Concrete, you know the vibe. It is a sensory overload of heavy machinery, slick demos, and the collective optimism of thousands of contractors. We are in Las Vegas, the gambling capita

Helical Beaming: Strengthening Masonry from the Inside Out
February 2026

In the world of masonry restoration and retrofit, the goal is always the same: preserve the character and craftsmanship of historic structures while ensuring their long-term stability. But anyone who has worked on century-old brick or stone buildings know

The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction
February 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Online Auction, the masonry industry’s premier event for scoring the best equipment at a fraction of costs. Whether you are looking to expand your equipment stockpile or