Silica Update
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| CPWR and BAC conduct testing on new dust controls on IMI's Bordentown facility, pictured above |
On September 25, 2001 the Building and Construction Trades Department officially submitted its draft silica standard to OSHA. When enacted, this standard will require employers to take necessary safety precautions to ensure that their workers are not exposed to dangerous levels of silica dust.
The draft language was several years in development, "and is truly a consensus document," says Executive Vice President Jerry O'Malley. "This draft is the product of discussions among all interested Building Trades Unions and health experts, and we believe it will help eliminate this health hazard for our members and all at-risk construction workers."
In a letter to the Honorable John L. Henshaw, the Assistant Secretary of OSHA, BCTD President Edward Sullivan stated the case for such a standard:
"For too long the American construction worker has been exposed to lethal levels of silica dust, and it is time to act. We urge OSHA to consider the requirements contained in the draft. We also urge you to ensure that OSHA maintains the time line for development of a silica standard…
"The Building Trades Unions are poised to work with OSHA in the development of this much needed standard. We are prepared to meet with your staff, other industry groups, and members of the affected public as soon as your schedule allows."
In a meeting with Assistant Secretary Henshaw in early October, Sullivan reiterated these points, and emphasized the importance of this standard to the health and safety of the construction workforce.
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