Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen • July 2016

OSHA Forges Ahead With Silica Rule Despite Legal Challenges Litigation over the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica rule should not delay its implementation, according to David O’Connor, director of the Office of Chemical Hazards (Non-Metals) in OSHA’s Directorate of Standards & Guidance. The rule will reduce the permissible exposure for crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an eight-hour shift, from the current 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air standard for general industry. However, there are industry concerns that the lower limit is unattainable. OSHA has received 11 separate petitions filed by industry and labor stakeholders challenging various aspects of the rule. Construction employers are required to be in compliance with the new rule by June 23, 2017. Come hear the latest on the Silica Rule from OSHA Area Director Brian Sturtecky at the NUCA FL Construction Industry Forum on July 22. JULY 2016 • DITCHMEN 19

Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen • July 2016 | Page 19