OSHA Acts to Protect Fracking Workers from Silica Exposure

http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/Political-Action-Legislation/OSHA-Acts-to-Protect-Fracking-Workers-from-Silica-Exposure

06/22/2012

Mike Hall

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued a hazard alert that urges employers in hydraulic fracturing operations to take appropriate steps to protect workers from silica exposure. Last month, in response to findings reported by NIOSH that workers in fracking operations were exposed to silica levels well in excess of OSHA permissible and NIOSH recommended levels, the AFL-CIO, Mine Workers (UMWA) and the United Steelworkers (USW) sent a letter to the federal workplace safety agencies urging they act to protect workers in these operations.

AFL-CIO Health and Safety Director Peg Seminario says the alert, issued yesterday, provides important information to employers and workers involved in hydraulic fracturing operations regarding the serious health threat from silica exposures.

It is critical that OSHA and NIOSH disseminate this information, so that immediate action can be taken to protect workers from silicosis and other silica-related diseases.

FULL story at link.