A Contractor’s Guide to Silica

As a contractor, it is important to understand the hazards associated with silica exposure and how to mitigate them on job sites. Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in many construction materials, including concrete, brick, and stone. When these materials are cut, drilled, or crushed, they can release fine silica dust particles into the air, which, if inhaled, can lead to serious health problems.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set limits on the amount of silica that workers can be exposed to in the workplace. The current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for breathable particles of crystalline silica is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an 8-hour workday. Amounts below this limit are similar enough to levels found naturally in the environment, and they are not known to cause any negative health effects. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that workers are not exposed to levels of silica above the PEL and to take steps to minimize worker exposure to silica dust.

How to Control and Minimize Silica Exposure in the Workplace:

Conduct a Silica Exposure Assessment.

The first step in reducing silica exposure is to conduct a silica exposure assessment on the job site. This assessment should identify the tasks and processes that generate silica dust so that you can estimate the levels of exposure that workers may experience while those tasks are being performed.

Develop a Silica Exposure Control Plan.

With the results of your exposure assessment in hand, you can proceed to develop a silica exposure control plan. This is a plan that outlines the measures that should be taken to reduce worker exposure to silica dust. It should include engineering controls (ie. wet methods to suppress dust), respiratory protection measures (ie. using protective equipment), and best practices for workers.

Train Workers.

All workers who could be exposed to silica dust should be trained on the hazards associated with silica exposure, the company’s silica exposure control plan, and the proper use of any personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to reduce exposure. Workers should be trained to recognize and report any symptoms of silica-related illnesses.

Monitor Airborne Silica Levels.

It’s important to conduct periodic monitoring of airborne silica levels. Sampling the air regularly is the best way to ensure that silica levels do not rise above the PEL.

Review Your Plan Regularly.

Your organization’s silica control plan should be reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains effective. It should always reflect any changes in work practices or materials used that could affect worker exposure to silica dust.

Speak With SIA Insurance Group About Coverage and Risk-Management Solutions.

Silica exposure is a serious hazard in the construction industry, and as a contractor, it is your responsibility to take all the necessary steps to protect your workers. At SIA Insurance Group, our team of experts can help you in all areas of construction insurance and risk management. We can even help evaluate the safety of your job site. Give us a call today at 630-325-4000 to talk about your coverage and how we can help protect your workers and your organization.