Construction builders will want to hear this: OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs is getting serious about the silica standard. In a recent memo, acting director Patrick J. Kapust says that as of October 2017, OSHA is going to enforce all the provisions of the silica standard. This can be challenging for some companies, as compliance and insurance costs can change.
The new standard creates guidelines for construction companies. Under the OSHA standard, exposure limits of 50 µg/m3 and an action level of 25 µg/m3 are the maximum allowable in an eight-hour period. This standard has been in place since September, allowing companies to conform to the new standard prior to official OSHA enforcement.
This memo is the interim directive while the final regulation language passes through the formal review process. Once the regulation is finalized it will replace this and any other related OSHA memos. Agents in the field will operate off the most-recently issued directive.
Several options for protecting against silica inhalation are available. Particle catchers, exhaust systems, and personal respirators all help protect employee respiratory health. This helps employees lead happy and healthy lives, and also reduces company insurance risk.
For more information on OSHA compliance for silica and other safety regulations, contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at 1-800-321-OSHA. Industry regulations affect insurance premiums and requirements. For more information on how OSHA rulings affect construction companies contact an agent today. For insurance quotes, questions about coverage, or any other insurance matters call an agent anytime.
