Offer Comment on This Ruling -  OSHA Crystaline Silica Ruling

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing a rule to lower workers’ exposure to crystaline silica.  A variety of businesses including foundries, construction companies, hydraulic fracturing operations, dental laboratories & manufacturers will be subjected to the new standards and requirements.

Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite and many other minerals.  When workers chip, cut, drill or grind objects (e.g., cement, masonry, tile or rock) that contain crystalline silica, dust is generated that can be inhaled that puts workers at risk for serious diseases.erals.  When workers chip, cut, drill or grind objects (e.g., cement, masonry, tile or rock) that contain crystalline silica, dust is generated that can be inhaled that puts workers at risk for serious diseases.  objects (e.g., cement, masonry, tile or rock) that contain crystalline silica, dust is generated that can be inhaled that puts workers at risk for serious diseases. 

The proposed rule creates a new uniform permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica and requires employers to install engineering controls where appropriate and to provide employees with various protective measures.

OSHA estimates that 470,000 small businesses or government entities will be affected by the rule.  The estimated average compliance costs for small businesses vary greatly.  OSHA estimates that the cost of the rule will be $637 million annually.

Small businesses have the opportunity to offer comments.  They have until 11 February 2014 to offer comments by visiting the regulations.gov comment site.

Visit this page to see tips for submitting effective comments.

Sources:
regulations.gov

By Owen Daniels