On page 46 of this issue, you will find an article that — in just over 2,000 words — articulates exactly why OSHA is misguided in how it regulates the stone industry. The impetus for this article is OSHA’s proposed silica rule, which cuts the exposure limit formula in half.
I’m all for safety — it is one of the most important things that we can promote here at Stone World — but there is a lack of evidence out there as to why this was proposed. In fact, OSHA’s own report states that from 1968 to 2002, the number of silicosis deaths among those aged 15 or higher decreased by 93%. It then utterly dismisses this total, however, based on a 1989 study that cites “underreporting” of silicosis cases. So wait, just so I understand, this “underreporting” phenomenon started in 1968?