Masonry Magazine April 1994 Page. 34
Your president. I outlined several areas that MCAA would commit itself to. We would work closely with allied associations to better coordinate all our efforts in expanding our market share. This we have done. Of course we will have to wait to see what the long range benefits are. It's something that does not happen overnight and must be continually worked on. Last May MCAA sponsored a masonry summit, which brought all the leaders of each of the industry's associations together to discuss common problems and possible solutions. It was suggested by all in attendance that this summit become a yearly meeting. MCAA should continue to take the leadership role in these meetings.
I also noted that it was important that MCAA work to improve this industry's image, and the overall quality of our projects and look beyond our pocketbooks-to the future of the masonry industry. The Masonry Quality Institute filled that void and was successful in starting us in the right direction. However, there is still work to be done in this area. I asked that MCAA revive and expand its educational efforts to keep ourselves the leaders within our industry. We have moved rapidly in achieving this goal. The education committee has completely revised the rough terrain fork lift safety and maintenance manual, and has added a new video to supplement this manual. In addition the safety and educational committees worked together to launch the first ever comprehensive safety program for our members. This program includes employee training, along with monitoring and complying with OSHA requirements. Both of these programs are vital to complying with regulations set down by OSHA. In addition, I asked MCAA to become more involved with government relations which dramatically affect our business. Your officers attended a legislative conference in Washington last April, along with members of the associated specialty contractors, of which MCAA is a member. We met with many of the leaders and key congressional staff people from the House and Senate. We also heard from officials of the Clinton administration, who outlined the president's agenda. We must get more involved in the legislative process.
On May 26, 1993 during a pension meeting held in Washington, D.C., our problems with bricklayers and allied craftsmen began again. It was suggested by BAC President Jack Joyce that MCAA be removed as the association which appoints trustees to the pension plan. Since that time we obtained a restraining order to stop a meeting scheduled to be held November 6, 1993. Even with this problem, I can report that MCAA has faced the forces of change, and the state of the Mason Contractors Association is sound and strong. We are one year into our long range plan, and it has been successful in focusing the association, its members and staff in achieving our long range goal of becoming the leader for all mason contractors. If you recall, the goal was to improve in the legislative arena, education, research, promotion, training and safety by the end of 1995. We have accomplished much of this-in one year. This was accomplished by the hard work of the committees and our staff.
Review of Long Range Plan
Each committee was given goals. Many exceed all expectations. Others have not made as much progress as we had hoped.
Non-Stop
SCAFFOLDING
Increase Production 20%-35%
When the wall is waist high to the bricklayer, he will produce more. Government studies, the experience of our customers, and our own experience have proven that point most convincingly. Actually, it's basic human nature. When the bending, reaching, and stooping are eliminated, a mason will fall into a fast, comfortable side-40-side rhythm when laying brick and block. He'll put is more units and be less tired at the end of the day. How much more production depends on the type of work. Production increases of 20% are common, while 35% is typical for Nank walls like warehouses. Our users have reported production increases as high as 47% on 12 Nocks. When you calculate the labor savings from this feature alone, you will see that Non-Stop can easily pay for itself in the first 10 to 20 weeks. Some masonry contractors say that their scaffolding paid for itself on the first job.
Never Run Scaffold-High Again
Building a wall from the ground to scaffold-high and then moving your men is another unnecessary expense to eliminate from your operation. It tends to scatter your men, creates extra work for the laborers, and it wastes ten to fifteen minutes of production time getting the crew started again. Using Non Stop, you will set your scaffolding in place first, before any work begins. Stock it with materials and your masons start the wall right off the scaffold. Once they have reached a comfortable working height, their walk boards can be dropped in place in about 30 seconds and they continue working uninterrupted until the wall is topped out. Non-Stop gives you the ability to put your masons' walkboards as low as 4" off the ground. Another standard feature Non Stop provides is the ability to add an extra walkboard for the masons. In many situations, like brick veneer with block back-up you must run the block up first. Using Non-Stop, you can run the block with 3 planks for the masons, let the scaffold down, and then run the brick with 2 planks, without moving or replumbing the scaffolding.
The Faste
34 MASONRY-MARCH/APRIL, 1994