OSHA has had numerous recent rulings and interpretations that have been good for our industry.  Just yesterday, they announced further clarification on a COVID interpretation that was released earlier this year.  In the earlier interpretation, they stated that if you wrote down temperatures of employees while screening for the day that you needed to keep them for 30 years. In addition, they also stated that any screening paperwork asking about COVID symptoms would also need to be kept for 30 years.  The MCAA, through our coalition (Construction Industry Safety Coalition), asked for OSHA to reconsider and to further clarify their ruling (click here to read the letter). 

Reade more: ​https://www.masoncontractors.org/2020/06/19/new-osha-clarifications-impact-the-masonry-industry/?utm_source=Masonry%20Messenger&utm_medium=Masonry%20Messenger&utm_campaign=Masonry%20Messenger&_zs=XWnRX&_zl=xV092#newsletter

Around three billion tons of cement are produced around the world each year (Guillaume, 2014), of which the majority is consumed in developing countries due to ceaselessly growing demand, attributed to their emerging economies.
In addition to the construction activities, natural disasters such as earthquakes and wars lead to the destruction of many infrastructures, increasing the constant demand for cement and cement-based materials such as mortar and concrete.
Mortar is cement mixed with fine sand, water and lime to improve the durability of the product. It is generally used as a paste that holds together other common materials of masonry construction, including bricks, concrete blocks and stone.
Although mortar has many advantages, it is less resistant to earthquakes,  brittle, and has low tensile strength. These drawbacks have led scientists to investigate multiple alternative solutions, including the use of nanoparticles.

Read more: https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=5506

In June 2019, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) released the most recent Florida Prison Recidivism Report. Every year, the Bureau of Research and Data Analysis within the Florida Department of Corrections takes a hard look at the rate of recidivism in their institutions- or the percentage of previously incarcerated inmates who re-offend within three years after release and return to the prison system. At the time of our last article in the December 2017 issue, the Florida prison system housed approximately 95,000 inmates, and at the time of this writing, there are approximately 94,000.  
In the state of Florida, 86% of prisoners currently incarcerated will, at some point, be released and return to their communities, and of those, 24.7% of inmates released in 2015 have returned to the FDOC three years later. Repeat offenders pose a unique challenge to the state and federal penal system, as well as a significantly higher burden on the state’s financial resources. However, there is one factor, in particular, that seems to make a marked difference in recidivism rates, as noted in the same report.   

Read more> https://www.masonrymagazine.com/blog/2020/04/20/building-walls-behind-bars-a-closer-look-at-the-fdoc-cte-masonry-program/?_zs=29oRX&_zl=jue42

​SAT, MAY 16, 2020
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

​INTRODUCTION TO MASONRY 28101-13
Provides information about basic masonry materials, tools, techniques, and safety precautions; explains how to mix mortar by hand and lay masonry units; and describes the skills, attitudes, and abilities of successful masons.​

COST: $0 REGISTERED STUDENTS
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​Join Stephen Borg, of The Keelen Group and Jeff Buczkiewicz of the Mason Contractors Association of America as they discuss the recently passed $2 trillion stimulus package and what regulations, tax credits, and funding may impact and be available to mason contractors and small businesses that will ensure you are able to keep your trusted, skilled employees on board and your businesses afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. MCAA is here to support and aid our members and mason contractors throughout the country weather this storm and hope this webinar will be a great resource to you.

The MCAA's Association Healthcare Plan allows small employers to gain access to large group plan designs and doctor networks while avoiding pitfalls that add costs to small group medical plans.
 
The MCAA has partnered with Assurance, one of the premier insurance brokerages in the country, to develop an Association Health Plan (AHP).

FULL DETAILS AVAILABLE HERE: https://bit.ly/2wpRvbs

​By  George F. Will Columnist