ABC and Safety Coalition Concerned with OSHA’s Proposed Crystalline Silica Rule
ABC and members of the newly formed Construction Industry
Safety Coalition, a group of national construction industry trade associations,
expressed concern over a proposal from OSHA addressing crystalline silica
exposure in the construction industry.
On Aug. 23, OSHA proposed drastically lowering the existing
permissible exposure limit (PEL) for silica, prescribed control methods that
contradict existing safety practice, and mandated new recordkeeping and
training requirements. Independent studies have estimated compliance with
similar provisions to cost $1 billion to $2 billion per year.
“OSHA still has not explained how a lowered PEL will be
effective at reducing the number of silica-related illnesses, particularly when
the agency has admitted its failure to properly enforce the existing standard,”
said ABC Vice President of Government Affairs Geoff Burr. “The agency clearly
missed an opportunity to take a cost-effective approach while still improving
compliance and worker safety.”
The Construction Industry Safety Coalition is urging OSHA to
develop technologically feasible alternatives for compliance with a silica rule
that address costs and consistency with existing federal regulations and do not
overly burden small businesses. In addition, the coalition said the agency
should consider factors unique to construction, as industry-specific tasks and
activities are highly variable and change constantly as projects progress.
“ABC and our coalition partners are reviewing OSHA’s
proposal, and we look forward to the opportunity to express our concerns fully
at the appropriate time,” Burr added.
The coalition represents associations from all sectors of
the construction industry, including commercial building, heavy industrial
production, home building, road repair, specialty trade contractors and
material suppliers. Workplace safety and health is a priority for all members
of the coalition, and each is committed to helping create safer construction jobsites
for workers.
(From ABC)
Trenton H. Cotney
Florida Bar Certified Construction Lawyer
Trent Cotney, P.A.
1211 N Franklin St
Tampa, FL 33602
Comments
Post a Comment