OSHA’s recent proposal to increase regulations on silica is the latest example of the organization’s lack of understanding of the stone fabrication industry
As an industry trade magazine, I believe that one of the most important things that Stone World can do to benefit the trade is to promote workplace safety. This is why we cover it throughout the year. But after thoroughly examining OSHA’s proposal for a new silica standard — and discussing it with some leading fabricators — it is clear that the organization needs to rethink its entire game plan.
In researching the standard, which was proposed in late August of this year, I looked through OSHA’s official “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,” a 757-page document. Basically, OSHA’s proposal is to cut the exposure limit formula in half, to 50 micrograms of respirable crystalline silica per cubic meter of air (over an eight-hour day). In particular, the granite/stone industry is among those being targeted by OSHA, according to the document.