Help for Construction Employers: New fact sheets help employers minimize exposure to silica when using construction equipment

OSHA has published seven new educational resources to help employers control exposure to respirable crystalline silica at construction sites. The new fact sheets provide information for employers and for workers who operate handheld grinders, angle grinders, jackhammers, rotary hammers, stationary masonry saws, handheld masonry saws or vehicle-mounted drilling rigs.

Respirable silica dust is a common hazard at many construction sites. Workers who breathe high concentrations of silica day after day are at risk of developing silicosis, a progressive and potentially disabling lung disease. Exposure to silica dust also can increase the risk of lung cancer and has been linked to other diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney and autoimmune diseases. For more information on the hazards of silica exposure in the construction industry, visit OSHA'sCrystalline Silica Safety and Health Topics Page and read OSHA's educational publication on Controlling Silica Exposures in Construction (PDF*).