August 28, 2013 – This week, the Obama Administration announced it will pursue a silica safety standard for the U.S. construction industry. Sean McGarvey, President of North America’s Building Trades Unions, released the following statement about this announcement:
“The announcement that a silica safety standard will finally be implemented comes as welcome news to the millions of workers at risk of exposure to dangerous levels of silica dust, those who already suffer from illnesses due to past exposures, and the families who have lost loved ones to silica-related illnesses.
North America’s Building Trades Unions have supported efforts to promulgate a silica standard since it was first listed as a regulatory priority more than 16 years ago, and we urge OSHA and the Administration to proceed with the public rulemaking process without further delay. Today, we stand ready to work with OSHA and industry stakeholders to develop a standard that will protect workers, our country’s most valuable asset, as well as level the playing field for those employers already taking measures to protect their employees.”
Read more about it from North American Building Trades Unions.
