The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are coming under increasing pressure to address what some call hazardous working conditions in exposure to silica.
NPR has an interesting piece detailing both sides of the debate for new silica exposure limits. Silica exposure can cause a fatal lung disease called Silicosis. Some experts estimate hundreds of workers die each year from Silicosis, although the figure is down 90 percent from decades past, and the figure is disputed to be lower. New rules could affect numerous industries. Click the link to the story below.
Silica Rule Changes Delayed While Workers Face Health Risks n.pr/UDnoEg
— NPR News (@nprnews) February 7, 2013
Silica exposure has been an issue for quite a while. A video issued by the U.S. Department of Labor in 1938 was part of its effort to prevent Silicosis.
OSHA has also issued new guidance in regard to silica exposure during the process of hydraulic fracturing. While it is not a new regulation, those working in the fracking industry might find it helpful. You can find the link below.
New OSHA Info Sheet on Silica Exposure. osha.gov/Publications/O… #ogsafety
— NIOSH Oil and Gas (@NIOSHOilandGas) February 1, 2013
Further adding to the debate is a union-backed petition asking the White House to address OSHA’s proposal on silica limits that has gained nearly 6,800 of the 25,000 signatures needed as of this writing for an official response from the Obama administration. You can check out the petition below.
Labor unions push @whitehouse on stalled worker safety rule via @thehill – Sign Petition Here: wh.gov/E3Ta thehill.com/blogs/regwatch…
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) February 6, 2013
Some argue that the existing regulation should be enforced instead of creating a new one. This could prompt inspections and result in fines if followed through.
What do you think? Should the regs change? Or should enforcement of existing regs be the focus? Leave a comment below, and start a conversation.
If you have questions on determining the amount of silica in the air on your projects, or if you would like guidance on reducing silica exposure and making sure you’re in compliance with current regulations and proposed regulations, please feel free to contact us using the form below for a free 30 minute consultation.
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]
Stay dust-free, my friends.
Chris White, P.E., LEED AP has been helping clients solve problems for over twenty years. He is The Most Interesting Engineer in the World. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisWhitePE.
