OSHA Announces Regional Emphasis Program and MSHA Launches New Initiative Targeting Respirable Crystalline Silica

In June, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) launched a new enforcement initiative to better protect the nation’s miners from health hazards due to repeated overexposure to respirable crystalline silica. Earlier in the year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new Regional Emphasis Program (REP) for silica in the Cut Stone and Stone Products Industry, NAICS code 327991. It applies to industry operations located within the jurisdiction of each Area Office in Region VIII and doesn’t expire until February of 2027.
 
MSHA describes crystalline silica as a common mineral in the earth’s crust that can be found in materials like sand, stone, concrete and mortar. Respirable crystalline silica can easily become airborne during the cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling and crushing of these materials. Exposure can lead to lung cancer, silicosis, and other life-altering and debilitating disorders.
 
“According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), at least 1.7 million U.S. workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in a variety of industries and occupations, including construction, sandblasting and mining,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “It’s important for businesses and institutions in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that have workers in occupations with exposure risks to respirable crystalline silica to adhere to regulatory requirements to safeguard their employees and to avoid noncompliance fines that can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. At Zimmetry, our industrial hygiene professionals help in these efforts by offering occupational exposure testing and air monitoring for crystalline silica and a wide range of other respirable hazards. We also provide worksite assessments that involve evaluating engineering controls and personal protective equipment training to mitigate these risks.”
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their industrial hygiene, air quality, environmental, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

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