By Brent I. Clark and Craig B. Simonsen

iStock_000062437178MediumSeyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has just announced a three month delay of enforcement of the Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction under 29 CFR 1926.1153.

Crystalline silica is a staple of our modern society.  OSHA notes that it’s a common mineral that is found in many naturally occurring materials, and used in many
Continue Reading OSHA Delays Enforcement of Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction

By Brent I. Clark and Craig B. Simonsen

iStock_000062437178MediumOSHA and its sister agency the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have just released a “Hazard Alert” on Worker Exposure to Silica During Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing and Installation.

We had previously blogged about NIOSH’s “Hazard Alert” for Worker Exposure to Silica During Hydraulic Fracturing. In addition,
Continue Reading Hazard Alert on Worker Exposure to Silica in Countertop Manufacturing Industry

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

In what appears to be part of OSHA’s ongoing campaign to prevent fall accidents and injuries, OSHA’s Region V announced earlier this year a Local Emphasis Program to address Fall Hazards in General Industry and Construction.

The Emphasis Programs provides the “basis for scheduling and conducting safety inspections of construction and
Continue Reading OSHA Emphasis Program For Fall Hazards in Construction and General Industry

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

Members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions, including sixteen Senators, have asked the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to extend its extended public comment period on its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica for a full ninety days.

We had previously blogged on
Continue Reading Senators Ask OSHA to Consider the Fracking Industry Economy and to More Fully Extend the Comment Deadline for Proposed Silica Worker Exposure Hazards Rule

By Brent I. Clark and Meagan Newman

OSHA’s request for enterprise-wide relief was denied in a recent ALJ ruling.  This new decision is the first to deny a request from OSHA to extend the employer’s obligation to abate alleged violations at locations other than those cited. Enterprise-wide relief has been a part of OSHA’s more aggressive enforcement posture in recent
Continue Reading OSHA’s Request for Enterprise-wide Relief Denied by First Court to Rule on the Issue

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has extended the public comment period for an additional forty-seven days on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica. 78 Fed. Reg. 65242 (Oct. 31, 2013).

We had previously blogged on the significant OSHA proposal that is intended to lower worker exposure
Continue Reading OSHA Extends the Comment Deadline for Proposed Silica Worker Exposure Hazards Rule

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has just proposed a rule that is intended to lower worker exposure to crystalline silica, which it claims “kills hundreds of workers and sickens thousands more each year.” 78 Fed. Reg. 56274 (September 12, 2013). The proposal is aimed at curbing lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive
Continue Reading OSHA Proposes Silica Worker Exposure Hazards Rule