Masonry Magazine November 2001 Page. 20
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20 MASONRY NOVEMBER, 2001
OSHA/continued from page 19
plan schedule for later this Fall should provide the key to the future of ergonomics in both General Industry and Construction.
SILICA
Currently, the future rulemaking status on silica is undetermined. However, it is still perceived as a high priority. OSHA has stated that it remains a "serious threat to nearly 2 million U.S. workers, including more than 100,000 workers in high risk jobs such as abrasive blasting, foundry work, stonecutting, rock drilling, quarry work and tunneling." In addition, as noted earlier, with the Assistant Secretary's background in industrial hygiene, silica may get more attention.
From the statistics OSHA has collected;
* 40,000 lost-time musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and over 200,000 non-lost-time work injuries occur in the construction industry every year.
* 2 million U.S. workers including more than 100,000 risk jobs ... are threatened by silica.
OSHA believes the current standard is insufficient to protect against silicosis. The plan is to publish a proposed rule on crystalline silica. This standard would cover workers in general industry, construction and maritime. Its provisions would be comprehensive in nature addressing the permissible exposure limit as well as ancillary requirements such as engineering controls and written programs.
Without a comprehensive new rule in place, OSHA continues to use alternate methods to protect workers. The Special Emphasis Program for Silicosis initiated several years ago continues. Through this program, inspection targeting focuses on employers in high-risk occupations. Although masonry construction is affected by silica, the exposure levels are not as high as other industries. Contractors have not (as yet) seen the levels of inspection, that other industries have faced. However, every effort should be made reduce exposure and keep employees safe. Citations can be issued under existing regulations for exposure above the permissible exposure limit. OSHA may attempt to enforce lower limits or other protection measures through the "general duty" clause of the OSH Act.
OTHER ISSUES
OSHA is contemplating action on several other hazards in the construction industry. Remaining on the agenda is the revision of the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Standard. The new rule would clarify the responsibility for payment of PPE used on the job. Generally, the OSHA standard requires that PPE be provided and used as needed. In certain hazard specific standards, such as the Lead Rule, employers must (more on page 22)