Steel Markets
April 4, 2016
Construction Association Files Suit to Block Silica Ruling
Written by Sandy Williams
A new rule from OSHA takes aim at exposure to crystalline silica. Crystalline silica exposure is a serious health hazard affecting approximately 2 million construction workers and 300,000 general industry workers in the U.S., according to estimates by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Crystalline silica exposure occurs when construction workers drill, cut, crush, or grind silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone. Workers are also exposed to silica dust in general industry operations such as brick manufacturing, foundries, and hydraulic fracturing. Breathing silica dust is linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease.
