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 new silica regulations are designed to address the exposure of construction workers to airborne silica. Stated generally, the proposed rules would set exposure limits and mandate engineering controls and regulated areas to lower exposure rates and volumes.
