OSHA enforcing more silica rule violations

May 16th, 2018 by Dakota Software Staff

In March 2016, OSHA issued a new rule drastically reducing the limit for allowable exposure to crystalline silica in work environments. Now that the rule's enforcement provisions have been entirely phased in, more construction sites face fines for having too much of the airborne dust around their work zones. This change could indicate a similarly major impact on general industry when the silica rule for companies outside the construction industry comes into effect later this year.

What is silica?

Silica is a naturally occurring mineral compound that comprises the bulk of some of the Earth's most common materials, like soil, sand and granite. Microscopic silica crystals appear as very fine, powdery dust produced when working with these materials and others like concrete, brick, pavement and more. Some of the most common activities that may produce silica dust include work like sand blasting, jack hammering, rock drilling, concrete cutting or sawing, tuck pointing and tunneling.

"Silica dust can become a deadly health hazard without the right protection in place."

When workers who carry out these operations are not wearing proper equipment or taking necessary measures to protect themselves, silica can prove very harmful. Inhaling a lot of silica dust at once, or a sizable amount over a long period of time, can lead to an inflammatory disease called silicosis. Hallmarks of silicosis include extensive lung damage and permanent scarring of lung tissue. This causes serious problems related to breathing and organ function that can prove deadly. Silicosis may be responsible for more than 40,000 deaths per year around the world, and has also been implicated in cases of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease.

Preventing silica exposure

Treating silica exposure is often difficult, which is why prevention has become a priority. According to Occupational Safety & Health Reporter, since the new silica rule for construction went into effect Sept. 23, 2017, OSHA and state agencies have recorded 116 citations of alleged violations related to silica exposure. The publication added that this number could increase for the same time period because there can be a gap as long as six months between a workplace inspection and the issue of a citation. Enforcement of the rule for general industry and maritime workers will not take effect until June 23, giving businesses in the larger economy some time to make the necessary changes.

Compared to the old rules to limit silica exposure in the workplace, OSHA's new silica limit is approximately 80 percent lower. The agency's compliance guide for small construction firms advises supervisors and business owners to review the new exposure standards and ensure the appropriate controls are in place to protect workers from dangerous airborne silica levels. In general, these steps include:

• Providing the right form of respiratory protection to all workers at risk of exposure.
• Restricting housekeeping practices that could expose unprotected employees.
• Creating and implement a written plan to control silica exposure and designate a competent person to oversee it.
• Offering medical exams to employees who are required to wear respiratory protection for 30 days or more per year.
• Keeping records of medical examinations related to silicosis.

In addition to respiratory protective equipment, excessive silica exposure may also be prevented at the source using water. Many industrial tools that tend to create dust utilize an integrated water delivery system that provides a continuous stream of moisture at the point of contact. This helps to reduce that amount of silica dust that becomes airborne and thus lowers exposure. However, even tools with water delivery systems should still be handled by users wearing the appropriate protective gear, including a respirator designed to mitigate the inhalation of silica dust. Special vacuums may also achieve the effect of removing silica dust from the air, but the same preventive health measures must still be followed.

Construction and industrial work invites hazards from multiple angles. It's important for professionals at all levels to remain apprised of safety regulations and compliance requirements for any safety risk.