LEGAL MATTERS
Crystalline Silica Dust?
Are You in Compliance with
the New OSHA Regulation?
O
Jeffrey W. King
Outside General Counsel
for the WFCA
Jeffrey King has more
than 35 years’ experi-
ence in complex litigation
with a focus on contracts,
employment, construction,
antitrust, intellectual prop-
erty and health care. He
n September 23, 2017, the new rule on respirable crystalline silica issued by
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) went into effect.
Crystalline silica is a natural element found in sand and stone. Accordingly, it
is found in many flooring products, such as tile, glass, marble, granite, concrete, grout
and similar products. According to OSHA, prolonged exposure to elevated levels of silica
causes silicosis, a debilitating and sometimes fatal lung disease. OSHA also believes the
silica dust also causes lung cancer.
The OSHA has regulated exposure to crystalline silica dust for many years. The new
regulation cuts in half the amount of crystalline silica dust workers can be exposed to on
their jobs. The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) filed comments regarding
the rule, and OSHA adopted a number of WFCA’s recommendation to limit the costs
of complying with the rule. As explained below, one of the most important recommen-
dations adopted was to allow compliance by using of equipment that minimizes dust to
avoid the costly monitoring of all employees’ exposure.
serves as general counsel
for WFCA and other trade
associations, and is a LEED
Accredited Professional. For
more information, contact
him at (561) 278-0035 or
[email protected].
24 Premier Flooring Retailer | Q3 2017