OSHA proposes new standards to limit crystalline silica exposure

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed a rule to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in American workers. OSHA seeks to lower worker exposure to crystalline silica, which, according to a press release, kills hundreds of workers and sickens thousands more each year. After the proposal is published, the public will have 90 days to submit written comments. Public hearings will follow.

The proposed rule includes two separate standards: one for general industry and maritime employment, and one for construction. According to OSHA, it currently enforces 40-year-old permissible exposure limits for crystalline silica in general industry, construction and shipyards. OSHA says the limits are outdated, inconsistent between industries and do not adequately protect worker health.

OSHA’s proposed rule includes a new exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica and details widely used methods for controlling worker exposure, conducting medical surveillance, training workers about silica-related hazards and recordkeeping measures.

OSHA estimates that the proposed rule will result in saving nearly 700 lives per year and prevent 1,600 new cases of silicosis annually.