Crystalline silica kills hundreds of workers and sickens thousands more each year. The public will have 90 days to submit written comments once the NPR is published in the Federal Register, followed by public hearings. “Exposure to silica can be deadly and limiting that exposure is essential,” says OSHA Administrator David Michaels. “This proposal is expected to prevent thousands of deaths from silicosis—an incurable and progressive disease—as well as lung cancer, other respiratory diseases and kidney disease. We’re looking forward to public comment on the proposal.”
Exposure to airborne silica dust occurs in operations involving cutting, sawing, drilling and crushing of concrete, brick, block and other stone products and in operations using sand products, such as in glass manufacturing, foundries and sand blasting.
According to the agency, the proposal is based on extensive review of scientific and technical evidence, consideration of current industry consensus standards and outreach by OSHA to stakeholders, including public stakeholder meetings, conferences and meetings with employer and employee organizations. The proposed rulemaking includes two separate standards—one for general industry and maritime employment, and one for construction.
Working with members of ASSE’s Construction and Industrial Hygiene practice specialties, ASSE’s Government Affairs Committee will be developing a comment in response. You can read ASSE President Kathy Seabrook's statement here.
Exposure to airborne silica dust occurs in operations involving cutting, sawing, drilling and crushing of concrete, brick, block and other stone products and in operations using sand products, such as in glass manufacturing, foundries and sand blasting.
The agency's website now features five fact sheets:
- Proposed Rule: Overview
- Construction
- General Industry & Maritime
- Information for Small Businesses
- How You Can Participate
According to the agency, the proposal is based on extensive review of scientific and technical evidence, consideration of current industry consensus standards and outreach by OSHA to stakeholders, including public stakeholder meetings, conferences and meetings with employer and employee organizations. The proposed rulemaking includes two separate standards—one for general industry and maritime employment, and one for construction.
Working with members of ASSE’s Construction and Industrial Hygiene practice specialties, ASSE’s Government Affairs Committee will be developing a comment in response. You can read ASSE President Kathy Seabrook's statement here.