The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced a final rule to improve protections for workers exposed to respirable silica dust. Full story

The new silica rule was rolled out this morning by OSHA. Our initial take is mixed. There are changes to the rule and some seem positive. Full story

Michael Kern is an old pro at winning masonry contests and works as a skilled mason on the job today. Full story

The son of a mason, Chris Sutherland began going out on masonry jobsites around age 8. The trade runs deeply in his family. Full story

Working summers and winters as a laborer and an estimator taught Zack Zuidema many aspects of the masonry business beyond the brick and mortar. Full story

Matthew Demery credits the Arizona Tender Training Program with putting his life and future on the right course. Full story

Miguel Gonzalez needed an elective in high school. He chose masonry – knowing nothing about the trade – and he loved it. Full story

After a very prolonged recession, the construction industry, in general, has had to deal with a different issue: not having enough well-qualified tradesmen. Full story

BIM for Masonry: Modeling Masonry Buildings in Autodesk Revit is now available to download for free. Full story

A sacred space takes an integrated approach to wall assembly. Read at MASONRY

When one hears the term masonry architecture, digital fabrication and automated construction processes are probably not the first ideas that come to mind. Read at MASONRY

By understanding the four areas of differing accountability and responsibility, and the related accountability to safety, we can avoid injuries or even fatalities. Full story

PlanGrid is the number-one most downloaded app for reading blueprints, and collaboratively sharing plan updates including photos in the iTunes Store. Read at MASONRY

The 2016 World of Concrete took place in Las Vegas, Nev., Feb. 1–5, 2016. This event draws approximately 1,450 exhibitors and covers more than 675,000 square feet of space. Read at MASONRY

Too often, managers call too many meetings to report on what’s happening without involving the attendees, having meaningful discussions, or adjourning with an action plan. Full story

The MCAA’s relationship with BizUnite will now be referred to as savings4members™, a program designed to help save time and money on the products and services you use every day. Full story

While a lot can be said of the MCAA leadership and board in these endeavors, it is you, the MCAA members, who have heeded the call, sacrificed your time and made your voice heard. Full story

The MCAA is working to get language into a House bill that would support Senate bill language to require OSHA to do more research and prove the need for new silica legislation. Full story

Submissions are now open for the 2016 MCAA Safety Advantage Awards. Our goal is for the MCAA safety awards to help draw attention to the benefits of safety. Full story

Masonry construction is a combination of three groups: designers, manufacturers and installers. Installers will purchase anchors either from manufacturers or distributors. Read at MASONRY