CSI Vermont Silica in Construction Program - Tues 10/23

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It is estimated that 50,000 to 60,000 people each year die from exposure to the harmful effects of toxic and hazardous substances in their workplace. A large proportion of these people die as a result of respiratory diseases, such as silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, related to exposure to crystalline silica. This is especially true in the construction industry.

Respirable crystalline silica – very small particles at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand you might find on beaches and playgrounds – is created when cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, and mortar. Activities such as abrasive blasting with sand; sawing brick or concrete; sanding or drilling into concrete walls; grinding mortar; manufacturing brick, concrete blocks, stone countertops, or ceramic products; and cutting or crushing stone result in worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica dust. Industrial sand used in certain operations, such as foundry work and hydraulic fracturing (fracking), is also a source of respirable crystalline silica exposure. About 2.3 million people in the U.S. are exposed to silica at work.

Join CSI Vermont as we review the newly adopted OSHA rule regarding exposure to crystalline silica. Dan Whipple, VOSHA Program Manager, will lead our Program. $25 for CSI Members and $35 for guests and non-members includes program, dinner & networking. Cash bar available.