Silica Enforcement in the Construction Industry
We should consider the OSHA’s new silica law a good thing. The permissible exposure limit for silica has been cut from 250 ug/m3 to 50 ug/m3 – a five fold decrease. We depend on our crew members. The stakes are high. Silica causes silicosis – lung disease, kidney disease, increased risk for cancer and death. But there is a way to be safe. Follow Table A and turn on the vacuum or water.
A special thank you to Rick Marshall of Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors for educating me and sharing the “U.S. Department of Labor Revises National Emphasis Program to Reduce or Eliminate Worker Exposure to Silica” with our members.
Here is a list of the “Targeted industries in Construction.” And yes, shoring and micropile contractors are on this list. Be safe and healthy!