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Georgia Organizations Form Alliance with OSHA to Reduce Worker Exposure to Silica


Atlanta, GA – WEBWIRE

Last month, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) held a signing ceremony with several organizations in Atlanta to commence a new alliance to help reduce worker exposure to crystalline silica dust.  The alliance is working to provide employers and workers involved in the construction industry with information, guidance and training to reduce exposure to the material.

OSHA’s acting regional administrator, Teresa Harrison, was quoted, “This alliance demonstrates the proactive commitment of federal, state and other partners to protect the safety and health of workers in the construction industry.”

Occupational exposure to crystalline silica can occur during workplace operations that involve cutting, sawing, drilling and crushing of concrete, brick, block, rock and stone products.  Processes historically associated with high rates of silicosis include sandblasting, sand-casting foundry operations, mining, tunneling, cement cutting and demolition, masonry work and granite cutting. According to OSHA, silica exposure remains a serious threat to nearly 2 million U.S. workers, including more than 100,000 workers in high risk jobs.

“Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen,” said Vincent M. Daliessio, CIH, Project Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Silicosis is the name of the disease that impacts the lungs due to breathing dust containing crystalline silica particles.  The new OSHA alliance is positive news for those in the Atlanta area who may have exposure risks to silica in the workplace. Because there is no cure for this disease, prevention is the only answer.  At EMSL, we support these new efforts and offer testing services for crystalline silica and many other potentially hazardous materials to help monitor and prevent worker exposure.”

EMSL provides air and bulk sample analyses using NIOSH Method 7500, NIOSH Method 7501 and OSHA Method ID-142.  The company recently sponsored an online video about silicosis and crystalline silica that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/gLfsdhB2bz8. To learn more about crystalline silica testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.


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 Silicosis
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