HR Question of the Month: Arrest Record
March 2025

Question As a last step in our hiring process, we require a candidate to pass a background check after they have been interviewed. Recently, a background check came back with an arrest listed. Are we allowed to turn down the candidate due to the arrest?

Handling an OSHA Inspection From A Foreman’s Perspective
March 2025

Every employer should strive to maintain a good OSHA record. Not only are customers, insurers, and others increasingly scrutinizing employers’ OSHA records as a condition of doing business, but OSHA penalties and citations can be substantial—over $165,000

The Technical Manufacturing of Architectural Cast Stone
February 2025

Architectural cast stone has long served as a cornerstone of American commercial, residential, and hardscape construction, blending timeless aesthetics with modern engineering. Defined by its capacity to replicate natural stone with unmatched precision, c

Can Keeping Your Business Clean Help Prevent Risks and Accidents?
February 2025

Masonry contractors face many challenges in their day-to-day work, including the need to ensure general maintenance and housekeeping are being kept up at your business. As an owner and leader, it’s your responsibility to prioritize safety by promoting cle

Welding & Cutting: Welding and Cutting Safety Tips 1
February 2025

Fuel gasses may be toxic. Check a copy of the manufacturer's MSDS. Never allow oxygen to contact oil, grease or other flammable substances.

GEORGE AI Is Now In Free, Open Beta For The $33 Billion Masonry Industry
October 2024

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is excited to announce the launch of a free, open beta for its AI system, GEORGE. This follows the successful first session of “Get To Know GEORGE,” held via Zoom on October 1st.

OSHA Releases Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rule
July 2024

On July 2, OSHA released its “Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Programs Rule” as a new, proposed standard to prevent heat illnesses and injury in indoor and outdoor settings.

Emergency Action Plans
November 2023

In March of 2018, two construction workers were killed in a fire that destroyed a 5-story apartment building under construction in downtown Denver. One of the key findings was that no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) had been developed for the project, nor had

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES FINAL RULE TO MODERNIZE DAVIS-BACON ACT
August 2023

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the issuance of the final rule “Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulation” to update regulations that implement the Davis-Bacon Act and Davis-Bacon and Related Acts to reflect better the needs

Southwest Scaffolding Confirms Silver Level In The Masonry Alliance Program
June 2023

The MCAA is happy to announce current Strategic Partner Southwest Scaffolding will move to the Silver tier of the Masonry Alliance Program. Southwest Scaffolding is now one of 70 companies to receive exclusive access to the $33 billion masonry industry.

EZG Manufacturing Granted ISO Certification Meeting International Standard for Quality Management Systems
May 2023

EZG Manufacturing has announced that it has been granted an ISO certification. The International Organization for Standardization granted EZG the specific designation of ISO 9001:2015 with design, which certifies that the quality management systems

OSHA Fall Emphasis Program: What You Need To Know
May 2023

On May 1, the Department of Labor announced OSHA's new National Emphasis Program addressing falls. Falls are not only the top violation cited within construction, but also the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries.

RECAP: Safety Leaders Meeting August 10th, 2022
August 2022

The MCAA held its quarterly Safety Leaders Meeting on August 10th, 2022 at 11:00 AM Central Time. The meetings are designed to foster peer-to-peer learning and discussions on safety topics, and help the MCAA provide resources in support of our members.

Southwest Scaffolding Rejoins The MCAA's Strategic Partner Program
January 2022

The Mason Contractors Association of America’s Strategic Partner Program has welcomed back leading scaffold and masonry distributor, Southwest Scaffolding. Southwest is again a part of the $28 billion masonry industry’s largest promotional effort.

Translation: TODOS A BORDO
January 2022

This is a translation of Jerry Painter's All Aboard column from the 2019 September issue of MASONRY.

Silica Train the Trainer (New and Renewal)
November 2021

Our Silica Train the Trainer Courses will be held at World of Concrete 2022.