Proposed OSHA rule decreases PEL

Words: Jeff Buczkiewicz, Bradford HammockOSHA released their proposed rule on silica this afternoon. The new rule is decreasing the PEL to .50 and the remediation level to .25. In addition OSHA has a general industry rule and a construction industry rule.

The MCAA is a part of a recently reformed construction industry coalition that will be responding to the released rule and will be submitting written response and representatives at meetings regarding the rule. The coalition recently hired the law firm of Jackson Lewis out of Washington, D.C. to spearhead not only our rule response, but also to facilitate an industry economic impact study.

The lead person with Jackson Lewis is Bradford Hammock a longtime veteran of the Department of Labor rule writing process and response. His last major effort while with the Department of Labor was handling the industry response to the Ergonomics rule. Expect to see news releases in near future from the coalition. Jackson Lewis will be coordinating the communications and that effort.

Members of the Silica Construction Coalition include ABC, AGC, ARTBA, Mechanical Contractors Association, NAHB, NECA, NRCA,ICE, ASA, and your MCAA.

Please feel free to review the information OSHA has provided about their rule at www.osha.gov/silica.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments, feel free to contact Jeff Buczkiewicz, President/CEO of the MCAA at jeffb@masoncontractors.org.
About: FeaturedLegislative
Echelon Masonry Introduces Ashton Brick, Its Latest Line of Artisan Masonry Veneers
April 2025

Echelon Masonry, North America’s leader in architectural masonry products and materials, announces the availability of its newest product line of artisan masonry veneers, Ashton Brick, in select states. Combining a classic brick aesthetic with durable con

Hilari Barton
Read More
MCAA Showcases Innovation at North Florida Masonry Showcase
April 2025

On Friday, April 11th, we had the pleasure of representing the Mason Contractors Association of America and our Outreach and Education Division at the North Florida Masonry Showcase. This event welcomed 15 high school students who demonstrated their growi

Conner Birdsong
Featured
Read More
Thank You For Bidding In The 2025 Online Auction
April 2025

The MCAA extends a huge thank you to everyone who bid in this year’s online auction. With hundreds of bids on over 150 items, this year’s auction was another huge success. We also want to thank all of our amazing donors who put items up for auction. Wit

Justin Stengel
Read More
Preparing Masonry Jobsites for Summer Weather
April 2025

Spring is in the air, and summer is right around the corner. With that in mind, it’s time for all of us in the masonry industry to start preparing for warmer weather. It is very important that we consider the risks associated with working in the summer he

Macy Williams
Featured
Commercial Masonry Heaters Safety Training
Read More