OSHA first announced its proposed rule on Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica in August 2013 and concluded public hearings on the proposed rule in April 2014.  In spite of this ongoing intense rulemaking on occupational exposure to crystalline silica, OSHA and NIOSH published a Hazard Alert on Worker Exposure to Crystalline Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing and Installation last week.  This marks the first Hazard Alert on silica exposure since OSHA issued the alert for Worker Exposure to Silica during Hydraulic Fracturing in June 2012.
Continue Reading OSHA and NIOSH issue Hazard Alert on Worker Exposure to Crystalline Silica

Over the last several months, OSHA has continued – and expanded – its practice of publicizing “Industry/Hazard Alerts” on its web site. These Alerts are designed to notify employers in certain industries of hazards that are of particular concern to the Agency. In part, OSHA is using this technique to ensure industry recognition and knowledge of hazards