Crystalline Silicate Hazards in the Workplace to Receive New OSHA Regulations, According to William Mizel, CSP
North Richland Hills, TX (PRWEB) November 18, 2013 -- Following increased concern over the growing number of OSHA claims regarding the disease Silicosis, Assistant Secretary of Labor of the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dr. David Michaels has proposed new rulemaking regarding crystalline silica in the workplace. This new regulation, expected to go into effect in mid 2014, would change the way that employers handle such hazards.
“Silicosis is a deadly and well-documented condition tied to unsafe work practices,” explains William Mizel, a Certified Safety Professional and the principal of OSHA Pros, a safety training organization. “Silica exposure has long been a hazard we’ve covered in our safety training courses and inspections, and so we’re glad to see that OSHA is tightening up their requirements. In our opinion it will save lives,” Mr. Mizel continued.
On October 25, 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration provided additional time for public input. They extended the public comment period for an additional 47 days on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on occupational exposure to crystalline silica. With the new extension, the deadline to submit written comments and testimony is being extended from December 11, 2013 to January 27, 2014. This is to allow stakeholders additional time to comment on the proposed rule and supporting analysis.
The proposed rule-making includes two separate standards, one for General Industry and Maritime employment and one for Construction. These standards are based on extensive review of scientific and technical evidence, consideration of current industry consensus standards and outreach by OSHA to stakeholders, including public stakeholder meetings, conferences, and meetings with employee and employer organizations.
The deadline for any written comments and hearing testimony is now January 27, 2014. The public hearings are scheduled to begin on March 18, 2014 and are expected to continue for several weeks. Please make sure if you have any questions or concerns about this new standard that you let your voice be heard in this matter.
About OSHA Pros, LP
OSHA Pros, LP is a safety training company offering OSHA outreach training as well as safety consultation and a variety of workplace safety classes nationwide. For two decades, OSHA-Pros has provided high-quality OSHA Training and Compliance service to companies and individuals all over the world.
For additional information about this release, contact Jenny Foley at 1-866-442-6742. For information on obtaining the OSHA 10-hour card or 30-hour card, visit http://www.osha-pros.com.
Jenny Foley, OSHA Pros, LP, http://www.osha-pros.com, (866) 442-6742, [email protected]
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