Safety Newsletter
Cal/OSHA Standards Board Adopts Temporary Standard for Silica
Cal/OSHA Emergency Standard:
- The Cal/OSHA Standards Board approved an emergency temporary standard (ETS) on respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in response to silicosis-related worker deaths.
Effective from December 29, 2023:
- The ETS focuses on high-exposure tasks like cutting, grinding, and polishing stone to protect workers from silica dust health hazards.
Mandatory Safety Measures:
- The ETS mandates dust suppression, airborne exposure protection, and warning signage for specified tasks.
Expanded Requirements and Exemptions:
- The ETS expands exposure plans, requiring air monitoring records, PPE procedures, and training. Exemptions apply to specific construction and agricultural operations. Businesses can seek compliance guidance from Jackson Lewis attorneys, and Cal/OSHA provides a Model Exposure Control Plan for reference.