OSHA Slashes Exposure Limit for Silica in Construction, General Industry

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a new rule to limit exposure to silica in the workplace, a move the agency expects will ultimately save more than 600 lives a year. The rule will slash the permissible exposure limit for silica by 80% for those in the construction industry and by half for those in general industry. The new rule requires employers to use engineering controls such as water or ventilation to limit worker exposure to silica and provide respirators when engineering controls aren’t enough. In addition, employers must offer medical exams to ...