Get what you need faster! Follow MCAA News, our Technology Initiative, MSCA Connect, MCERF, GreatFutures and MCAA's CEO John Gentille on Twitter!
Nineteen plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC techs and office employees of MCAA member Graco Mechanical were victimized by Hurricane Harvey. Each received a $1,000 check from MCAA’s Disaster Relief Fund, thanks to the incredible generosity of MCAA’s affiliated associations, contractor, manufacturer and supplier members and many individual donors. We should ALL be proud of the good work we are doing to help our UA and MCAA family members whose lives have been turned upside down by Harvey. We are, together, indeed MCAA&UA STRONG!
Your generous and compassionate support allowed MCAA in the last two weeks to provide $350,000 in financial support to 350 pipefitters, plumbers, service techs and office employees of our South Texas member companies harmed by Hurricane Harvey. Now, in conjunction with our labor partners at the UA, we will be sending each of those 350 individuals an additional relief check, for $500, with $250 of each check coming from the MCAA Disaster Relief Fund and $250 coming from the UA’s Charitable Trust. This is a great example of the UA/MCAA partnership, and what that partnership can do to benefit the less fortunate members of our UA/MCAA Family. That is why we are MCAA&UA STRONG!
The response from the MCAA family to our plea for help so our Disaster Relief Fund could come to the aid of those of us harmed by Hurricane Harvey has been overwhelming. This week the concerned members of NEMCA presented MCAA president Greg Fuller with a $25,000 contribution during his visit to their association. Many other MCAA affiliates are also making very generous contributions, including MCA of Connecticut, MCA of the Central Gulf Coast, MCA of Detroit, MCA of Cleveland, M&SCA of Eastern Pennsylvania, MCA of Western Washington, MCA of Toronto, MCA of Ontario, Northern California MCA, MCA of Indiana, MCA of Chicago and MCA of New Jersey. THANK YOU to all our local associations, and to the contractors, manufactures, suppliers and individuals who have shown that TOGETHER we are MCAA&UA STRONG!
Over 200 contractors and execs have registered for the UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference, which will be held November 14 – 15, 2017, at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Business Managers and Agents from across North America will also be in attendance. Be sure to join them; register for this conference now. The conference theme is “Highlighting Best Practices and will be a informative and enjoyable networking opportunity for all!
Construction technology is bringing productivity gains that the industry has not seen before, but the amount of new products, processes, hardware and software make keeping up nearly impossible. Learn more about the 2017 MCAA Tech Conference in Austin, Texas November 8-10.
Make sure your service techs have the up-to-date safety training they need to protect themselves from arc flash and electrical shock hazards while working on equipment pushing 480 volts or less. The session covers all applicable OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E provisions, best practices, and real-world accident information.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is the research arm of OSHA, reports that narcotics—i.e., opioids— account for 29 percent of prescription costs covered by workers’ compensation. Opioids are highly addictive, and opioid overdoses are common.
OSHA’s new standard on Respirable Crystalline Silica is enforceable as of Saturday, September 23, 2017. However, employers who make good faith efforts to comply will receive compliance assistance from OSHA up to October 23, 2017.
Nick Espinosa, a white hat hacker will be one of the key speakers at the 2017 MCAA Tech Conference. Recently, he was interviewed to talk about some of the risks that mechanical contractors face, the steps you can take and how damaging a hack can be for your business.
Do you want to control your workday clock, improve time management for yourself, your team and your organization? Then you won’t want to miss Jason Sturgeon’s time management education session on October 18 at MSCA CONNECT 2017!
In episode six, we preview the MCAA Tech Conference with an interview of one of the featured speakers, Nick Espinosa. Nick is a white-hat hacker that talks about cyber threats and security issues that contractors face every day.
If you missed Plumbing Service 101, Cash is King, no worries! It is now available in both MSCA’s Resource Center and in Archived Webinars. Each module consists of a 60-minute webinar and corresponding workbook. Webinars and workbooks are free to MSCA/MCAA members.
Join us to learn about the latest tools, software, operations and trends that contractors are using to leverage technology and be even more successful.
After a long hiatus the UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference is returning this year with the theme “Highlighting Best Practices.”
This Week's Featured Resources
-
Business and Politics
This bulletin provides advice, tools and information about the federal legislative process to help you be effective in presenting and discussing industry issues with your House and Senate representatives. -
Robotic Total Stations Webinar
This webinar offers additional insights into the MCAA Robotic Total Station Report written by JBKLabs exclusively for MCAA's Technology Research Series. The report's principal author, Josh Bone, reviews findings from the report and provides additional information about how robotic total stations, when used in concert with BIM, have the potential to drastically improve productivity. -
Doing Business with a Customer in Bankruptcy
This bulletin can help you avoid legal and other pitfalls that may affect your business relationship with a customer that has or may file for bankruptcy. -
Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Video
This video provides you with the information you need to help your workers understand potential hazards from overexposure to respirable silica, identify operations that produce respirable silica dust, and implement safe work practices. -
Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Pocket Guide
This pocket guide highlights key training points from MCAA's Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Video. -
Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Documentation Sheet
This documentation sheet can be used to document who has received the training contained in MCAA's Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Video. -
Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Test
Verify that workers are retaining key training points from MCAA's Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Video with this test. -
Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Test Answer Key
Check your workers' responses to the Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Test to ensure they're retaining key training points. -
Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems Safety Training Video
This video walks the viewer through the most common causes of steel and copper piping system pressure testing failures, pretest walk-downs, and general safe work practices for hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing. -
Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems Safety Training Pocket Guide
This pocket guide highlights key training points from MCAA's Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems Safety Training Video. -
Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems Safety Training Documentation Sheet
This documentation sheet can be used to document who has received the training contained in MCAA’s Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems Safety Training Video. -
Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems Safety Training Test
Verify that workers are retaining key training points from MCAA's Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems Safety Training Video with this test. -
Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems Safety Training Test Answer Key
Check your workers' responses to the Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems Safety Training Test to ensure they're retaining key training points. -
PDF Editing Utilization for the Mechanical Contractor
This bulletin shows how one contractor has used PDF editing software to save time and money by paperlessly exchanging documents. -
Managing Retainage – A Critical Component of Effective Cash Flow
This bulletin offers ideas for effectively managing retainage, which has become a significant cash flow issue for mechanical contractors. -
Safety Manual for Mechanical Fabrication Shop Workers
This manual provides fabrication shop workers with critical safety information on everything from working safely with overhead and gantry cranes to preventing overexposure to manganese while performing hot work. -
5th Annual JBKnowledge Construction Technology Report
JB Knowledge, MCAA's construction technology research partner, conducts an annual report on construction technology practices. Participants came from across the construction industry, including 700 MCAA members. -
Model Silica Exposure Control Plan for Mechanical Construction
This easily customized model plan covers all the basics required to comply with OSHA’s silica standard and protect your workers. -
Silica Safety for Mechanical Construction Workers Safety Training Video
This video provides you with the information you need to help your workers understand potential hazards from overexposure to respirable silica, identify operations that produce respirable silica dust, and implement safe work practices. -
Technology Report on Field Service Software
Our partners at JB Knowledge surveyed MSCA members on the technology practices and software needs for their service operations before comparing 16 different software solutions in this report. -
Construction Technology Research Report: 3D Scanning
Technology is a challenge and an opportunity. MCAA partnered with JBK Labs to help our members keep pace by conducting independent research. -
Construction Technology Report – 3D Scanning Webinar with James Benham
This webinar explores and compares the differences in products, software and processes that contractors will see when they begin to utilize 3D scanning technology. -
Guide to Human Resources Policies
Designed to assist you in developing a human resources manual for your company, this publication reflects current trends and law on human resource management. -
Management Methods Manual
This manual has it all! Written by contractors for contractors, this is THE definitive guide to the basics to help you keep your company running smoothly, efficiently and profitably. -
Employee Reviews
Get tips on making the most of the employee review process, including how the review process can be used to improve the performance of employees and management alike. -
Guide to Subcontractor Safety Management
This guide provides mechanical construction employers with the information needed to objectively select subcontractors that are committed to jobsite safety and health. -
MCAA Robotic Total Station Report
This sixth report in the MCAA Technology Research Series was written by our partners at JBKLabs exclusively for MCAA. When used in concert with BIM, robotic total stations have the potential to drastically improve productivity. A companion webinar is also available. -
Tool and Equipment Rental Guide
Why spend time gathering equipment rates when you don’t have to? This is a comprehensive, current guide to cost recovery for commonly used tools and equipment. -
MCAA Safety Apps Report
Written by JBKLabs exclusively for MCAA, this report found that most applications for safety professionals are geared towards documentation. There is a growing trend analytics on this data to identify root causes and trends. -
Toolbox Safety Talks for Mechanical Construction Workers – Volume VI
These short duration safety training toolbox talks focus on a variety of common hazards, including silica; confined spaces; hazardous substances; energy sources and equipment and more. -
Safety Manual for Mechanical Service Technicians
This comprehensive, user-friendly manual was designed specifically for the mechanical service industry. Color illustrations highlight key points and enhance the reader's ability to find information. -
Understanding and Managing Risks Associated with Consequential Damages
This bulletin helps contractors avoid or manage the risks that arise when an unexpected disruption in a project results in a substantial financial impact. -
Safety Manual for Mechanical Construction Workers
This comprehensive, user-friendly manual was designed specifically for the mechanical industry. It includes new information about noise, manganese and zinc. Color illustrations highlight key points and enhance readability. -
Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide
This full-featured digital version of our Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide enhances the look and feel of our printed directory with digital-only benefits. -
2016 MCAA-Focused Construction Technology Report
This report enables MCAA members to see how their companies' use of technology compares to other MCAA members as well as the industry at large. -
Benchmarking Data for Mechanical Contractors
MCAA members can compare their business performance against industry averages for 20 key financial ratios and other data with this new report. -
An Explanation of Certified Pipe Welding
This publication helps educate technicians and customers about ASME Code requirements for the proper installation and fabrication of welded piping systems in accordance with Welding Procedure Specifications. -
Webinar on BIM to Field Software Construction Technology Report
This webinar offers additional insight into the results of the 2016 Construction Technology Research Report. -
Robotic Total Station
This bulletin compares the traditional layout process with the technologically advanced Robotic Total Station, which integrates with BIM and 3D modeling. Readers will learn the benefits of the RTS and what to look for when selecting a system. -
BIM Software Analysis Webinar with Josh Bone
In this webinar, Josh Bone, the lead author of MCAA's second Construction Technology Research Report on BIM, presents some insights from his research findings. -
BIM Software – A Comparative Analysis
This second report in the Construction Technology Research Series was written by JBKLabs exclusively for MCAA. BIM technologies in the area of construction and maintenance can expedite work, increase precision, and prevent mistakes. -
BIM to Field Software – A Comparative Analysis
MCAA has now released its third installment of the Construction Technology Research Series with a report produced by JB Knowledge Labs on BIM to Field Software, free to members. -
Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime—A Primer for the Construction Industry
This publication is a planning tool that helps you determine the costs associated with unplanned events, circumstances and factors that may impact the outcome, productivity and schedule of construction projects. -
Achieving Spatial Coordination through BIM – A Guide for Specialty Contractors
This guide helps mechanical contractors incorporate leading-edge technologies into their project spatial coordination efforts. Developed by MCAA, SMACNA and NECA with funding from MCERF. -
Factors to Consider in Establishing, Operating and Maintaining a Fabrication Shop
Whether you're establishing a new fab shop or looking to keep yours operating at peak performance, this bulletin provides tips to enhance your company's productivity and profitability. -
Pre-Fabrication Operations Guide for Plumbing
Whether you’ve been thinking about pre-fabrication or want to ensure that your pre-fab processes are using the latest technology and tooling, this guide can help. -
Enforceability of Contractual Fines/Penalties for Subcontractor Safety Violations
This bulletin explains how provisions that impose fines or penalties for subcontractors' safety violations could impact a subcontractor and how best to avoid them. -
Conditional Relief from Some Category 2 PPE Under NFPA 70E – 2015 Safety Bulletin
This bulletin explains the circumstances under which mechanical service technicians are permitted to wear less PPE than what is typically required for work on HVAC units pushing 480 volts or less. -
Final Recordkeeping Rule Safety Bulletin
This bulletin summarizes changes to OSHA’s recordkeeping rule that require affected employers to submit occupational injury and illness information to the agency via electronic means. Learn what this means for your company. -
Project Manager’s Manual
This manual covers all aspects of mechanical industry project management, including key topics like managing change orders and claims, job cost and labor control, productivity, scheduling, safety and much more.
MCAA’s web-based labor estimating manual is an invaluable tool for your business. Free as a benefit of your membership.
WebLEM
Scholarships are just one way the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation is investing in your industry’s future. Have you invested in it?
MCERF
You can make an impact on the future of your industry and your business by contributing to the MCAA Political Action Committee.
MCAA PAC
Looking for an intern? You can head to our improved student chapter website and check out the great resumes there!
MCAAGreatFutures
The year-round involvement of our manufacturer/supplier members is part of what makes MCAA special. Learn more about the Council and the value it brings to MCAA.
Manufacturer / Supplier Council
Our new online registration system is up and running. We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions in one place – here!