OSHA Launches New Initiative to Protect Workers from Silica Exposure

In September, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had launched a new initiative focused on enhancing enforcement and providing compliance assistance to protect workers involved with engineered stone fabrication and installation. Industries subject to the prioritized programmed inspections include those engaged in Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing as well as Brick, Stone, and Related Construction Material Merchant Wholesalers.

According to the agency’s announcement:

Supplementing OSHA’s current National Emphasis Program for Respirable Crystalline Silica, this initiative will focus enforcement efforts on industry employers to make sure they’re following required safety standards and providing workers with the protections required to keep them healthy. It establishes procedures for prioritizing federal OSHA inspections to identify and ensure prompt abatement of hazards in covered industries where workers face exposure to high levels of silica dust.

“Both OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identify respirable crystalline silica (RCS) as a health hazard for workers involved in manufacturing, finishing and installing natural and manufactured stone,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The inhalation of silica can cause silicosis. Exposure to RCS can also result in lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. Companies could face costly noncompliance penalties if they do not follow established health and safety regulations.”

Dedicated to helping businesses safeguard their employees from respirable hazards to silica and other dangerous substances are the industrial hygiene, environmental, and material testing experts at EMSL Analytical. With laboratories across North America, EMSL also provides sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

To learn more about testing for crystalline silica or for access to sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail