:: rawblogXport ::

:: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 ::

OSHA Fines Massachusetts Contractor $60,000 for Silica Hazards Occupational Hazards
On Aug. 17, 2004, employees of NER Construction Management Inc. were repointing Xavier Hall, a grinding operation that produced and engulfed them in clouds of silica-containing brick dust, according to the agency. OSHA standards require that effective engineering controls, such as wet cutting saws, vacuum grinders or other types of local exhaust ventilation first be used to reduce dust levels below permissible exposure limits. No controls were in place or in use at the time, the agency says.

Though the exposed employees wore respirators, those devices alone were insufficient protection. The silica hazard was aggravated by the company's failure to medically evaluate all workers to determine if they could safely use respirators and by its failure to perform fit-testing to ensure that the respirators had a proper seal.

Silica is a human lung carcinogen. Prolonged inhalation can lead to silicosis, a disabling and potentially fatal scarring of the lungs that reduces their ability to take in oxygen.

posted 12:27 PM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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