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The United States Department of Labor’s (US DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a discussion between business owners, regulators and workers about a potential new rule concerning respirable crystalline silica in the work place on Tuesday, January 14. The forum took place over an internet web chat in which OSHA officials clarified the new proposal and its application to a variety of industries. In addition, OSHA officials informed workers and employers of the fundamental health risks that result from breathing crystalline silica and the subsequent economic costs.
Concerning the health effects of breathing silica, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA said, “Exposure to silica can be deadly, and limiting that exposure is essential. Every year, many exposed workers not only lose their ability to work, but also to breathe. This proposal is expected to prevent thousands of deaths from silicosis – an incurable and progressive disease – as well as lung cancer, other respiratory diseases, and kidney disease. Workers affected by silica are fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers lost to entirely preventable illnesses. We’re looking forward to public comment on the proposal.”
I Need A Columbus Lawyer Who Handles Workers’ Compensation
Current permissible exposure limits for crystalline silica have not been updated in over 40 years and are not consistent across industries. If your work environment involves breathable hazards, we can help. With over 80 years of combined experience, our Columbus workers’ compensation attorneys have the expertise and resources to deliver the full compensation that you deserve for your suffering. For more information, contact us. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Columbus workers’ compensation lawyers, call us at (614) 221-7548.
[Did You Know: Silica exposure became a concern when 500 workers died of silicosis in West Virginia in the 1930’s, according to the US DOL.]
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys