Crystalline silica exposure may cause workers to develop silicosis, an occupational disease. Workers can breathe in these tiny bits of sand, rock and quartz. These mineral substances can become trapped in the lungs and cause scarring. Silicosis may cause the following symptoms: Chronic coughing With acute silicosis, workers may experience fever and sharp chest pain Loss of appetite Discolored, blueish skin or lips Fatigue Shortness of breath or wheezing Fevers caused by funga

Inspectors with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) claim excavation companies are not protecting workers from trench collapses. Data collected by OSHA shows trench collapses have caused 23 deaths and 13 injuries since January. Some of these fatal and nonfatal work accidents occurred in Ohio. In June, a 33-year-old man died while working in a 12-foot trench at an Ohio worksite. As he was digging, the trench walls collapsed and buried him under thousands o