OSHA’s Proposed Silica Regs Would Have Major Impact

Two proposed OSHA rules limiting worker silica exposure could affect 2.2 million workers. Reduction in permissible exposure limit would vary by industry, but in some cases would be as much as 400 percent. Engineering solutions would be required where feasible, in lieu of employers’ preferred method, respirators. “Proposed standards of this magnitude are a rare occurrence,” according to the writer.