According to OSHA, 2.3 million workers nationwide are exposed to silica, a carcinogen found in stones and sand. These particles are inhaled as a result of high-energy operations such as cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing stone, rock, concrete, brick, blocks, and mortar. Breathing silica dust can cause silicosis, a disabling, non-reversible, and sometimes fatal lung disease; other non-malignant respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis; lung cancer; kidney disease; and it may be associated with auto-immune disorders and cardiovascular disease. In an effort to educate the public, Michigan OSHA (MIOSHA) has launched a 12-month state emphasis program in which the focus is to reduce exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
MIOSHA is also offering consultation-based audits to help workplaces identify potential silica hazards. MIOSHA has made a list of industries such as construction, with typically high rates of silica exposure and cases of silica-related illnesses. MIOSHA will conduct unannounced investigations at these establishments to ensure compliance with federal OSHA standards, listed below.
MIOSHA Standards
MIOSHA Resources
Federal OSHA Resources
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