Highway Construction Company Faces Penalties of Over $300K for Exposing Employees to Respirable Crystalline Silica

A Virginia highway construction company was recently issued five citations and over $300,000 in penalties from Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH). The company was cited for allegedly exposing workers to respirable crystalline silica hazards while using jackhammers to remove concrete from bridge piers. According to the announcement of the penalties, inspectors determined that the company did not provide adequate eye and respiratory protection, failed to assess each worker for exposure to respirable crystalline silica, and permitted workers to use jackhammers and concrete saws without proper control methods.

So far this year, there have been a number of citations from state agencies and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for exposure hazards to respirable crystalline silica. In an effort to protect workers from these types of exposure risks, OSHA recently issued two new respirable crystalline silica standards: one for construction, and the other for general industry and maritime. OSHA began enforcing most provisions of the standard for construction in September of 2017 and began enforcing most provisions of the new standard for general industry and maritime in June of this year.

“Workers in so many industries can be exposed to respirable crystalline silica,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The new standards are meant to provide additional protection since workers who inhale these very small particles are at increased risk of developing silica-related diseases that could include silicosis, an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death; lung cancer; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and kidney disease. At EMSL, we have been helping companies comply with the new crystalline silica standards to protect workers and avoid costly penalties with industrial hygiene and environmental testing services, all the sampling supplies needed, air monitoring equipment and a comprehensive range of personal protective equipment (PPE).”

EMSL Analytical has even sponsored an educational video about the crystalline silica rule for the construction industry that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/NhYWn87xu7Y.

To learn more about crystalline silica and other hazardous and regulated exposure concerns, or for access to air monitoring instruments, respirators and other PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail