OSHA Related

Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers

Trade News Release Banner Image

Release: 14-929-NAT
Date: May 22, 2014
Contact: Ann Mangold Jesse Lawder
Phone: 202-693-4679 202-693-4659
Email: : mangold.ann.r@dol.gov lawder.jesse@dol.gov

Annual summer campaign to prevent heat-related illnesses
launched by US Labor Department
“Water. Rest. Shade.” and acclimatization are critical in preventing heat illness and fatalities

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced the launch of its annual Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers. For the fourth consecutive year, OSHA’s campaign aims to raise awareness and educate workers and employers about the dangers of working in hot weather and provide resources and guidance to address these hazards. Workers at particular risk are those in outdoor industries, such as agriculture, construction, landscaping and transportation.

“Heat-related illnesses can be fatal, and employers are responsible for keeping workers safe,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “Employers can take a few easy steps to save lives, including scheduling frequent water breaks, providing shade and allowing ample time to rest.”

WATER. REST. SHADE. The work can't get done without them.

Thousands of employees become sick each year and many die from working in the heat. In 2012, there were 31 heat-related worker deaths and 4,120 heat-related worker illnesses. Labor-intensive activities in hot weather can raise body temperatures beyond the level that normally can be cooled by sweating. Heat illness initially may manifest as heat rash or heat cramps, but can quickly escalate to heat exhaustion and then heat stroke if simple preventative measures are not followed. Heat illness disproportionately affects those who have not built up a tolerance to heat (acclimatization), and it is especially dangerous for new and temporary workers.

“Acclimatization is a physical change that the body undergoes to build tolerance to heat, and it is a critical part of preventing heat illnesses and fatalities,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “Over the past three years, lack of acclimatization was the cause in 74 percent of heat-related citations issued. Employers have a responsibility to provide workplaces that are safe from recognized hazards, including outdoor heat.”

Last year, OSHA issued 11 heat-related citations. In some of these cases, the employer and staffing agency were cited because they involved temporary workers.

In preparation for the summer season, OSHA has developed heat illness educational materials in English and Spanish, as well as a curriculum to be used for workplace training, also available in both English and Spanish. Additionally, a Web page provides information and resources on heat illness – including how to prevent it and what to do in case of an emergency – for workers and employers. The page is available at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html.

OSHA also has released a free application for mobile devices that enables workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites. The app displays a risk level for workers based on the heat index, as well as reminders about protective measures that should be taken at that risk level. Since its 2011 launch, more than 130,000 users have downloaded the app. Available for Android-based platforms and the iPhone, the app can be downloaded in English and Spanish by visiting: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/heat_app.html.

In developing its inaugural national campaign in 2011, federal OSHA worked closely with the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration and adapted materials from that state’s successful campaign. Additionally, OSHA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to incorporate worker safety precautions when heat alerts are issued across the nation. NOAA also will include pertinent worker safety information on its heat watch Web page at http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/heat.php.

Crystalline Silica, OSHA Related

Crystalline Silica

From OSHA’s website:

Inhalation of very small (respirable) crystalline silica particles puts workers at risk for silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. OSHA recently released a proposed rule to protect workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica.

This is a proposal, not a final rule. OSHA encourages the public to participate in development of the rule by submitting comments and participating in public hearings. Your input will help OSHA develop a rule that ensures healthy working conditions for employees and is feasible for employers.

“Exposure to silica can be deadly, and limiting that exposure is essential. Every year, many exposed workers not only lose their ability to work, but also to breathe. This proposal is expected to prevent thousands of deaths from silicosis – an incurable and progressive disease – as well as lung cancer, other respiratory diseases, and kidney disease. Workers affected by silica are fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers lost to entirely preventable illnesses. We’re looking forward to public comment on the proposal.”

Dr. David Michaels Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health

OSHA estimates that the proposed rule will save nearly 700 lives and prevent 1,600 new cases of silicosis per year, once the full effects of the rule are realized.

The proposed rule is the result of extensive review of scientific evidence relating to the health risks of exposure to respirable crystalline silica, analysis of the diverse industries where worker exposure to crystalline silica occurs, and robust outreach efforts to affected stakeholders. OSHA carefully considered current industry consensus standards on crystalline silica exposure, recommendations from small business representatives, and input from other interested parties and partner agencies in developing the proposed rule.

OSHA currently enforces 40-year-old permissible exposure limits (PELs) for crystalline silica in general industry, construction and shipyards that are outdated, inconsistent between industries, and do not adequately protect worker health. The proposed rule brings protections into the 21st century.

“The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is pleased to join with Dr. Michaels and our partners in labor and industry in OSHA’s announcement of the notice of proposed rulemaking on occupational exposure to crystalline silica. NIOSH has a long history of research and recommendations on preventing worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Ensuring the health and safety of all workers is an important part of ensuring a strong economy and future economic growth.”

Dr. John Howard Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Select from the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about the proposed rule and ways you can contribute during the rulemaking process.

Without proper engineering controls, workers can be exposed to harmful levels of respirable crystalline silica that can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other lung and kidney diseases (below)

Saw cutting ImagesCourtesy New Jersey Department of Health

Applying water to a saw blade when cutting materials that contain crystalline silica — such as stone, rock, concrete, brick, and block — substantially reduces the amount of dust created during these operations (right)

Saw cutting ImagesCourtesy Husqvarna ABSilica Rulemaking Information/Press/Statements

News Releases

Statements

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels’ Opening Statement at Silica Hearing [3/18/14]

Directorate of Standards and Guidance Acting Director William Perry’s Opening Statement at Silica Hearing
[Full Statement] [Synopsis] [3/18/14]

Statements on Announcement of Proposed Rule:

Silica Blog

FACT SHEET: OSHA’s Proposed Crystalline Silica Rule: Overview [PDF* 430 KB] ] En español [PDF* 375 KB]

FACT SHEET: Construction [PDF* 445 KB] En español [PDF* 428 KB]

FACT SHEET: General Industry & Maritime [PDF* 525 KB] En español [PDF* 497 KB]

FACT SHEET: Information for Small Businesses [PDF* 485 KB] En español [PDF* 449 KB]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) [PDF* 183 KB]

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
The NPRM is OSHA’s formal notice of regulatory action related to Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica. The NPRM contains some background information on analyses related to the proposed rule, as well as the proposed regulatory text. OSHA welcomes public comments on the NPRM.

Health Effects & Risk Assessment Background Documents [PDF* 2.28 MB] As part of the rulemaking process, OSHA carefully evaluated health effects of and the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with occupational exposure to crystalline silica. A Health Effects Supplement [PDF*] contains OSHA’s assessment of additional literature published after its preliminary analysis was complete. OSHA welcomes public comments on these background documents.

Preliminary Economic Analysis (PEA) [PDF* 12 MB] The PEA details OSHA’s estimation of costs, benefits, and other economic impacts of the proposed rule. OSHA welcomes public comments on the PEA.

Employment Analysis [PDF* 397 KB] Inforum, an independent, not-for-profit research entity, estimated the industry and aggregate employment effects of the proposed silica rule

Federal Docket for Silica Rulemaking
Visit the federal docket folder on Regulations.gov to examine supporting materials for the proposed rule and review comments submitted by other members of the public, workers and worker groups, affected industries, and other interested parties. You may also submit your own comments on the silica rulemaking to the docket via the link above.

Hearing Information

Hearing Schedule

Hearing Procedures

Amendment to Hearing Procedures

Public Participation in the Rulemaking Process

Review Materials Submitted to OSHA

All testimony, comments, and other materials submitted to the rulemaking docket are or will be listed online at http://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID# OSHA-2010-0034); however, some information (e.g., copyrighted material) is not publicly available to read or download through that website.  All submissions to the docket, including copyrighted material, are available for inspection and, where permissible, copying at the OSHA Docket Office, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210.

Provide Comments after Public Hearings

The public hearings closed on April 4, 2014. Those members of the public who filed a timely written notice of intention to appear prior to the hearings are able to submit additional comments. Evidence and data relevant to the proceeding must be submitted by June 3, 2014. Final briefs, arguments, and summations must be submitted by July 18, 2014. Post-hearing comments and briefs can be submitted by:

  • Visiting the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket ID# OSHA-2010-0034.
  • Faxing OSHA’s Docket Office at 202-693-1648 (for comments of 10 pages or less).
  • Sending hard-copy documents (via regular mail, express delivery, courier, or hand delivery) to the OSHA Docket Office, Technical Data Center, Room N-2625, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210.

For more information about the post-hearing comment period, please refer to the:

Hearing Procedures

Amendment to Hearing Procedures

Scientific and Technical Resources

Additional Resources

Safety & Health Topics Page on Crystalline Silica
OSHA’s Safety & Health Topics page on Crystalline Silica is the Agency’s main resource for information about silica hazards, health effects, control methods, and other standards applicable to protecting workers who are exposed to respirable crystalline silica on the job.

MSHA Silicosis Prevention web page
The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) provides information about silica hazards specific to the mining industry. Miners and mine employers can find useful information about hazard identification and control from this page.

NIOSH Silica Information web page
The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) has conducted extensive research about health hazard identification and control for respirable crystalline silica.

Archived Silica Web Chat

OSHA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica was published in the Federal Register on September 12, 2013. The NPRM is available from the Federal Register in print (Document number: 2013-20997) or online at https://federalregister.gov/a/2013-20997.

2013 “Deadly Dust” Silica Video

Video will begin shortly

Many American families have seen first-hand the tragic effects of silicosis. Watch OSHA’s new “Deadly Dust” video to learn more about their stories and how dust control methods can help limit workers’ exposure to crystalline silica.

Contractors adopt innovative concrete drill jig to reduce silica exposures during concrete drilling operations

Contractors adopt innovative concrete drill jig to reduce silica exposures during concrete drilling operations. Read more.

1938 “Stop Silicosis” Video

This 1938 video features former Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins (1933-1945), and describes both the hazards associated with silica exposure and the U.S. Department of Labor’s early efforts to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for America’s working men and women. Although tremendous progress has been made since this video was produced, evidence indicates that a substantial number of workers still suffer from silica-related diseases. This video is available for download at http://archive.org/details/StopSilicosis

What is Crystalline Silica?

Respirable crystalline silica – very small particles at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand you might encounter on beaches and playgrounds – is created during work operations involving stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, mortar, and industrial sand. Exposures to respirable crystalline silica can occur when cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing these materials. These exposures are common in brick, concrete, and pottery manufacturing operations, as well as during operations using industrial sand products, such as in foundries, sand blasting, and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations in the oil and gas industry.

OSHA Related

National Safety Stand-Down

From OSHA’s website:

The purpose of the National Fall Prevention Stand-Down is to raise awareness of preventing fall hazards in construction. Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 269 of the 775 construction fatalities recorded in 2012. Those deaths were preventable. Fall prevention safety standards were among the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards, during fiscal year 2012.

What is a Safety Stand-Down?

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety, this year we are focusing on “Fall Hazards” and to reinforce the importance of “Fall Prevention.”

How to Conduct a Safety Stand-Down and FAQ’s

Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime during the week of June 2-6, 2014. See Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful “Stand-Down.”

The goal is to have over 25,000 employers and 500,000 workers to hold a Stand-Down and if we meet this goal, we will have touched almost 1 out of 10 construction workers in the country.

Who Can Participate?

Participants may include employer’s trade associations, federal, state and local governmental agencies, professional societies, institutes, and consumer/labor-management interest organizations, sub-and independent contractors.

Partners

OSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with this effort, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), OSHA approved State Plans, State consultation programs, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the National Safety Council, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers.

Certificate of Participation

Note: Page will be active on June 2nd.

Employers will be able to provide feedback and download Certificates of Participation on their experience June 2 to July 15, 2014 following their stand-down.

Share Your Story With Us

If you want to share information with OSHA on your Safety Stand-Down, Fall Prevention Programs or suggestions on how we can improve future initiatives like this, please send your email to oshastanddown@dol.gov.