A coalition of trade associations filed suit against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's final silica rule.
The rule, issued by OSHA March 24, will lower the amount of silica dust workers can be exposed to and mandate certain controls to limit exposure. Eight construction industry organizations filed the legal challenge to the rule, citing concerns about its technological and economic feasibility.
“OSHA's silica regulation is based on flawed science, flawed economic data and flawed logic,” Pete Ruane, president of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association in Washington, said in a statement. “The unintended consequence of the proposal is that it will actually expose road workers to greater risk by diverting resources.”
The rule is based on outdated health data, opponents say. They point to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that showed that the number of deaths from silicosis has declined 93% to 165 in 2004 from 1,065 in 1968.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2018
How workplace design can position financial services companies for success
HOK report examines forces reshaping industry.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
California is the first state to phase out incandescent light bulbs
In two years, the rest of the U.S. will follow suit.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
Automated tool assists in design of force transfer around openings
Engineered Wood Assn. offers free calculator and technical note.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
First large-scale use of perovskite solar cells in office building slated for Poland this year
Skanska will integrate the technology into building facades.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2018
Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools to achieve zero energy
Publication is joint effort by ASHRAE, AIA, IES, and USGBC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2018
Flying drones while inebriated now illegal in New Jersey
Violators could be sentenced to six months in jail.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2018
OSHA penalties for violations increase
Fines adjusted for inflation in the New Year.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2018
Disaster mitigation strategies that exceed code could save billions
Four dollars saved for every dollar spent, says NIBS report.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2018
U.S. construction fatalities rose 6% in 2016
Falls accounted for 39% of deadly accidents.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2018
Record storm surge in Boston prompts renewed calls for flood mitigation infrastructure
Newer buildings constructed in flood zone fared well.