OSHA and NIOSH issue hazard alert about exposure to silica
On February 18, 2015, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Safety and Health Administration issued a Hazard Alert (NIOSH) about "Worker Exposure to Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing and Installation." The Marble Institute of America (MIA), Natural Stone Council (NSC) and other allied associations were consulted and, for the most part, the advice and counsel was used for the final version. A finished copy of the report can be found at: http://www.marble-institute.com/silica/.
OSHA is currently in the process of analyzing the substantial comments it received on its proposed silica rule, which the agency has scheduled to take place through at least the middle of this year. In a recent meeting, Jordan Barab, the deputy assistant secretary of labor for OSHA, reiterated that issuing a final silica rule by the end of the current administration was a top priority.