Top Silicosis Prevention Tips for Workplace Safety

Silicosis is one of the most prevalent occupational diseases in the United States. Many people working in industries such as mining, construction, and artificial and natural stone shaping face the risk of silica dust exposure, and over time, this exposure can cause silicosis. There are important silicosis prevention tips for workplace safety that everyone should know.

Silicosis Prevention Tips for Workplace Safety

When it comes to silica dust safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces many rules and regulations designed to limit the risk of silica dust exposure for workers in high-risk environments. Silica dust can be released into the air with many types of work, especially in artificial stone product manufacturing. Over time, these particles can accumulate in the lungs and cause silicosis.

OSHA regulations require employers performing any operations involving silica dust exposure to take specific steps to limit this hazard for their employees. Anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 new cases of silicosis could appear in the United States each year, and the rate at which the disease develops typically depends on the frequency and intensity of silica dust exposure in the workplace. Employers can use these silicosis prevention tips for workplace safety:

• Follow all OSHA regulations closely.
• Provide employees with detailed training that not only covers accepted work practices but also conveys the dangers of silica dust exposure.
• Perform regular air quality monitoring in high-risk worksites.
• Choose appropriate respiratory protection for employees. Employers should verify that all workers at risk of silica dust exposure have properly fitting and fully functional respiratory equipment.
• Implement new work practices aimed at reducing silica dust levels and check the effectiveness of all newly implemented practices.
• Consider the implementation of a medical surveillance program for at-risk employees. Employers can also arrange for medical examinations for any employees who may be exposed to silica dust. Early detection can help prevent silicosis from worsening.
• Post clearly visible warning signs to identify any work areas where silica dust may be present.
• Install engineering and air quality control systems that can reduce or eliminate silica dust from the air and reduce the accumulation of silica dust on workplace equipment.
• Consider the use of alternative materials that pose a lower risk of silica dust exposure, especially in industries like artificial stone shaping.
• Install air filtration systems that include high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
• Implement vacuuming, wet-sweeping, and other cleaning procedures in the workplace in lieu of dry sweeping, which can easily release silica dust particles into the air.

These are just a few possible ways for employers in high-risk operations to not only ensure they comply with OSHA silica dust regulations but also minimize health risks for their employees. The American Lung Association reports that about 2.3 million American employees are exposed to silica dust at work each year, and about 2 million of these cases appear in the construction industry. Natural and artificial stonework also poses a very high risk of exposure.

If you or a family member has developed silicosis, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced toxic exposure lawyer as quickly as possible. The team at Wallace & Graham has the experience and resources necessary to handle the most complex silica dust exposure cases, and our team has successfully recovered many substantial case awards for past clients. Reach out to us at your first opportunity to learn more about the legal services we offer for these cases.

FAQs

Q: How Can You Prevent Silicosis in the Workplace?

A: Preventing silicosis in the workplace requires careful attention to the regulations set forth by OSHA and using proper equipment designed to minimize the release of silica dust. For example, working with artificial stone often requires cutting, grinding, and sanding, and keeping stone materials wet is a preferred practice for minimizing silica dust exposure. Respiratory protection is also vital for anyone working in an environment with a silica dust exposure risk.

Q: How Much Silica Dust Exposure Causes Silicosis?

A: Silicosis develops over time with consistent exposure to silica dust, and it is possible for this condition to develop even with minimal exposure. However, more frequent and more intense exposure will cause silicosis to progress more rapidly. It can sometimes take years for the condition to start causing noticeable symptoms, but it can also appear more quickly due to repeated heavy exposure to silica dust.

Q: What Are the Medical Risks of Silica Dust Exposure?

A: The medical risks of silica dust exposure include the development of silicosis and various forms of lung damage. Victims can also experience chronic bronchitis, develop lung cancer, and face increased susceptibility to tuberculosis. It is also possible for silica dust exposure to result in permanent lung tissue scarring called pulmonary fibrosis as well as autoimmune disorders and kidney disease.

Q: What Is the OSHA Rule for Silica Dust in the Workplace?

A: The OSHA rule for silica dust in the workplace requires employers to take specific steps to minimize exposure to their workers. OSHA enforces strict requirements when it comes to permissible exposure levels of silica dust. Employers must also follow specific work practice controls, such as using special equipment, performing regular air quality testing, and ensuring all workers have appropriate protective equipment.

Q: Should I Hire an Attorney After a Silicosis Diagnosis?

A: It’s a good idea to hire an attorney after a silicosis diagnosis because you may have grounds for legal recourse that you will not be able to explore on your own. Your attorney can help you determine whether you can file a workers’ compensation claim and/or pursue a toxic exposure lawsuit to enhance your recovery. Ultimately, you are more likely to succeed with your legal efforts and more likely to maximize any compensation you can obtain.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have years of experience handling a wide range of toxic exposure cases, including silicosis cases. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with this condition, it is important to consult an experienced attorney at your first opportunity. Our team is ready to assist you with your toxic exposure case for silicosis, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help.