OSHA’s proposal to beef up regulations on workers’ exposure to silica dust is generating a lot of controversy. The agency says current rules are outdated, difficult to understand, and inconsistent across industries.
Introduced in August 2013, the proposal would lower allowable levels of crystalline silica in all workplaces, standardize how the dust is calculated, and require medical monitoring for employees exposed to high levels.
OSHA estimates that 688 deaths and 1,585 silica-related illnesses would be prevented every year under the new rules. Opponents charge that the stricter regulations cost too much for the potential benefits. Joseph Brennan, a Cleveland attorney quoted in Crain’s Cleveland Business, said that since 1968, the rate of lung diseases related to silica has dropped by 90%. He indicated that stronger enforcement of existing rules might be a better way for OSHA to handle the issue.
Fred Hubbard Sr., secretary treasurer for the Ohio-Kentucky Administrative District Council of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, said OSHA seems to concentrate enforcement on only the biggest contractors. If a measure is going to impose a lot of costs onto work sites, it should be enforced across the board, he said. The union does support OSHA’s proposed stricter regulations, though.
OSHA has received about 2,000 comments on the proposal. The agency wrapped up public hearings on April 4. No timeline has been released, but OSHA’s final decision could be at least two years away.
(http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20140413/SUB1/304139997/osha-proposal-is-causing-a-bit-of-a-dustup)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2015
Oregon to spend $300 million for seismic updates on public buildings
A survey found that more than 1,000 Oregon school buildings face a high risk of collapse during earthquakes.
Smart Buildings | Jul 12, 2015
Office of Management and Budget asks agencies to consider climate change when budgeting for construction projects
For the first time, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget is asking agencies to submit budget plans that consider the effects of climate change on construction and maintenance of federal facilities.
Engineers | Jul 12, 2015
White paper explores low-flow toilets’ impact on drain lines, clogs
The research found that certain variables: toilet paper—along with the pipe slope and flush volume—are key variables in determining whether drain lines might be predisposed to clog.
Contractors | Jul 9, 2015
Opioid abuse blamed for increase in worker injuries, business losses
Insurance giant CNA says concerns are increasing in the construction industry.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2015
California Supreme Court upholds affordable housing requirements
Court cites affordable housing crisis of ‘epic proportions.’
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2015
First valuation advisory for green and high performance property adopted
The document provides voluntary guidance to appraisers on the background and competency necessary to credibly value green buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Maryland’s Prince George County turns to P3s to build green infrastructure
Over the next 10 years, the county must convert 15,000 acres of watertight surfaces—almost 5% of the county's total area—into surfaces that absorb or treat rainwater.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Philadelphia considers more incentives for green building
Developers could be allowed additional height, floor area on projects that meet benchmarks.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
LEED building at Duke University may be retrofitted to prevent bird deaths
More birds die from colliding with buildings at Duke than on any other campus in a 45-school survey conducted by Augustana College. Duke is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a bird migration route.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Balcony collapse in Berkeley, Calif., prompts an examination of codes
Dry rot and too much weight appear to be the causes of a fatal accident at an eight-year-old building in Berkeley, Calif.