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The rule is based on outdated health data, opponents say.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
Green Specifications | Jul 26, 2016
New Miami Beach law requires LEED certification on projects larger than 7,000 sf
LEED Silver the prescribed standard on buildings larger than 50,000 sf.
Energy | Jul 25, 2016
Michigan law provides local governments with flexible energy conservation financing
Allows cities to fund projects without adding debt.
Contractors | Jul 15, 2016
Trade unions, contractors call for maximum penalty in construction worker death case
‘Sick and tired’ of lawbreaking contractors defining public perception.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 14, 2016
Portland, Ore., City Council approves construction excise tax for affordable housing
Expected to raise $8 million annually on commercial and residential projects.
Drones | Jul 13, 2016
FAA issues final rule on commercial use of drones
The rule covers commercial uses for drones that weigh less than 55 pounds, and it takes effect Aug. 29.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2016
OSHA raises maximum civil penalties by 78%
Applies to infractions that occurred after Nov. 2, 2015.
School Construction | Jul 11, 2016
Fight over school funding in Arizona headed to court
Legislature accused of ignoring 1994 ruling ordering state to pick up some of the costs.
Green Specifications | Jul 8, 2016
World Green Building Council sets goal of 100% net-zero buildings by 2050
All new buildings and major renovations to be net-zero by 2030.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2016
Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City
Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.
Urban Planning | Jul 7, 2016
Y Combinator project would build new city using new technology, urban policies
Zoning, property rights, building codes all could be re-imagined.