Philadelphia Construction Law Blog

Because of the work of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the CDC, and other construction work groups, many in the construction industry are now aware that prolonged and a high volume exposure to silica based products can cause life threatening diseases. These research and educational efforts have resulted in a better understanding of the threat, lead to better strategies to manage it, and resulted in safety protocols being utilized to protect workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced this week that is was extending the public comment period for its new regulations on the use of crystalline silica in construction until January 27, 2014. The extension is seen as a concession to business and industry organizations, a large number of which asked for additional time to analyze the proposed rules and provide educated opinions on it. Certain Congressional Committees also asked for the extension.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently published new educational materials designed to help construction employers control exposure to airborne crystalline silica at construction sites. The 7 new fact sheets provide information on how to control the risks associated with silica exposure while working with grinders, angle grinders, jackhammers, rotary hammers, stationary and handheld masonry saws, and vehicle mounted drilling rigs.