ABC Calls OSHA’s Proposed Crystalline Silica Rule Unworkable: Joins Safety Coalition in Asking for Withdrawal

February 12, 2014

Washington, D.C. – February 12, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), as part of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), today requested the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) withdraw its proposed rule to drastically lower the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of crystalline silica for the construction industry.

“OSHA’s crystalline silica proposal is potentially the most egregious regulatory initiative that OSHA has proposed for the construction industry,” said ABC Vice President of Government Affairs Geoff Burr.

“In addition to failing to demonstrate a need for the rule, OSHA has severely underestimated the compliance impact,” Burr said. “The proposal likely will impact 1.5 million more construction workers than OSHA estimated and will cost at least four times as much to implement.”

“OSHA should withdraw this burdensome proposal until it can demonstrate a rule of this kind is necessary and workable. ABC and CISC welcome the opportunity to collaborate with OSHA on a standard that makes sense for the construction industry and to ensure that the positive trend in reduction of silicosis-related disease continues.”

To read ABC’s comments to OSHA, click here.

To read the coalition’s comments, click here.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing 22,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. Visit us at www.abc.org.

The Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC) is made up of 25 trade associations from all sectors of the construction industry, including commercial building, heavy industrial production, home building, road repair, specialty trade contractors and material suppliers. Workplace safety and health is a priority for all members of the coalition, and each is committed to helping create safer construction jobsites for workers.

American Road and Transportation Builders Association
American Society of Concrete Contractors
American Subcontractors Association
Associated Builders and Contractors
Associated General Contractors
Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry
Building Stone Institute
Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association
Construction & Demolition Recycling Association
Distribution Contractors Association
Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute
International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
Leading Builders of America
Marble Institute of America
Mason Contractors Association of America
Mechanical Contractors Association of America
National Association of Home Builders
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
National Demolition Association
National Electrical Contractors Association
National Roofing Contractors Association
National Utility Contractors Association
Natural Stone Council
The Association of Union Constructors
Tile Roofing Institute