OSHA's Final Rule: Worker Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica - Webinar (Recorded)

Overview:

Exposure to silica has been linked to lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease in workers. Exposures to crystalline silica dust occur in common workplace operations involving cutting, sawing, drilling, and crushing of concrete, brick, block, rock, and stone products (such as construction tasks), and operations using sand products (such as in glass manufacturing, foundries, sand blasting, and hydraulic fracturing).

Why you should Attend:

The final rule lowers the permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica for all industries to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air averaged during an 8-hour shift.

OSHA has spelled out exactly how to best protect workers. If employers follow those specifications, they can be sure that they are providing their workers with the required level of protection. That means that employers will have to implement controls and work practices that reduce workers’ exposure to silica dust.

• Understand the health hazards of crystalline silica
• Recognize materials which may contain silica
• Be informed of the key provisions of the new ruling
• Understand the compliance guidance for medical surveillance
• Understand what’s required to implement the key provisions of the standard
• Get an actionable guide to protecting workers from silica hazards

Areas Covered in the Session:

The webinar highlights steps employers are required to take to protect employees, including assessing workplace exposures, establishing written exposure control plans and providing worker training.

• Identify the health hazards of silicosis by recognizing silica materials and knowing their health hazards
• OSHA final rule regarding crystalline silica exposure and OSHA Worker Safety
• Key provisions of the new ruling
• Compliance guidance for the medical surveillance
• Categories of exposure limits
• The new permissible exposure limits (PELs) and SELs
• Industries that are impacted
• Requirement for engineering controls, administrative controls, and proper personal protective equipment
• Alternative exposure control methods - exposure assessment
• Performance option and scheduling monitoring option details
• Specified exposure control methods, and fully & properly implementing controls
• Employer assistance programs for small businesses to be compliant with the new ruling
• New medical screening and surveillance requirements
• Deadline