OSHA: Silica Hazards Overview

Key Takeaways:

– Learning about silica and its most common source materials.
– Understanding the potential chronic health effects of chronic silica exposure.
– Acknowledging workplace activities that may generate airborne respirable silica.
– Learning basic methods to mitigate airborne silica dust.
– Learning actions which minimize the risk of exposure to crystalline silica.
– Comprehending the basics of combined protections that can be implemented to prevent exposure to silica-containing compounds.

Course Description

The aim of this lesson is to serve as an intro/refresher to our Silica Hazards course. This course will improve the safety of workers in environments where silica exposure hazards exist by increasing employee awareness of this hazard and exploring how the hazard can be recognized and addressed in the workplace.

OSHA has issued a rule to reduce lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers by minimizing their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. This rule contains two standards, one for Construction and one for General Industry and Maritime.

OSHA projects the rule, once its effects are fully realized, will annually save more than 600 lives and prevent over 900 new cases of silicosis, in addition to providing net benefits of about $7.7 billion.

By taking this course, you will be reminded of the actions you must take to fulfill OSHA’s rule in your workplace.