OSHA has revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on respirable crystalline silica for general industry, maritime, and construction to “identify and reduce or eliminate worker exposures.” The NEP targets specific industries, such as the construction industry, expected to have the highest number of workers exposed to silica, and focuses on enforcement of new silica standards.
The NEP includes a revised application to the lower permissible exposure limit for silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter as an eight-hour weighted average for the construction industry and an updated list of target industries. From the list of target industries, area OSHA offices will develop randomized establishment lists of employers for targeted inspections.
OSHA is implementing a nine-day period of compliance assistance, effective February 5, before targeted inspections begin. According to an OSHA news release, state plans and OSHA regional and area offices must participate in the NEP, but area and regional offices are not required to implement corresponding regional or local emphasis programs on silica.
Respirable crystalline silica consists of small silica particles that are generated by cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing materials such as stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, and mortar. One of the most common sources of silica dust is from quartz.
Inhaling the dust created during these processes can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. OSHA estimates 2.3 million workers are exposed to silica dust every year.
