Masonry Magazine March 2002 Page. 31
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MASONRY MAGAZINE:
The masonry industry has always been a splintered industry, almost like the Middle Ages with little kingdoms everywhere and no country. Do you feel that there should be a greater effort made to unify the industry or should we even try?
It's worthwhile attempting to unify the masonry industry. And in some sense we have begun to accomplish it through groups such as the Masonry Industry Council, the Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards and even through many of our local promotion groups. One of our associations long range goals is to unify the industry because a more focused and unified industry would be hard to stop.
MASONRY MAGAZINE:
What are the most pressing issues facing the industry today?
Ergonomics, training, job site safety and OSHA, building codes, and certification.
MASONRY MAGAZINE:
How do you see the association dealing with them?
As an association we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise and through our staff, they are an extension of the members. Where the staff deals everyday with the experts in the various fields, we have the ability to identify a problem, review the problem and find a solution.
MASONRY MAGAZINE:
It seems that the MCAA is becoming more involved in activities in Washington, D.C. The Board approved hiring a Director of Government Affairs and the association has been asking members to become active in writing their U.S. Representative and Senators. The association even submitted written testimony to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao in OSHA's possible new ergonomic standard. Why has the association done that?
We must be in the front lines and have a presence to be able to express our views and opinions on all subjects that impact mason contractors. There are so many government entities influenced by self interest groups, each having their own agendas that can have a major impact on our industry. Sometimes they may be allied against us which could increase the cost of masonry and have a monetary impact. I believe it is imperative that we have a full-time representative in Washington to be able to express our opinions. If we don't, our views as an industry are ignored.
MASONRY MAGAZINE:
So how do you think an OSHA ergonomic standard would impact our industry?
If someone wanted to eliminate the use of masonry in the United States, this is the way to do it. Ergonomics is the fastest way to eliminate the use of our product because the increase in costs would be horrendous.
MASONRY MAGAZINE:
The MCAA has done a good job of fighting for mason contractors in a number of
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MASONRY MARCH, 2002 31