Update On Proposed Rule On Hexavalent Chromium

Words: Dan KesterWhile OSHA appears to be on track to finalize its standard on occupational exposures to hexavalent chromium by January 18, 2006, there remains a great deal of concern about the proposed PEL (permissible exposure limit). The level proposed is so low (1 microgram per cubic meter) that many businesses have made it clear to OSHA that they will probably close their doors rather than spend money to upgrade their facilities only to find out that the new technologies don't help them achieve the PEL. The proposed level is 50 times more stringent than the current standard and 50 times more stringent than the exposure limits of our major trading partners in Europe and Asia.

In an effort to bring these concerns to the forefront before the rule is finalized, Congressman John Boehner, Chairman of the House Ed and Workforce Committee and Congressman Charlie Norwood, Chairman of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, sent a letter to Josh Bolton, head of the Office of Management and Budget asking that the agency thoroughly examine all the scientific evidence presented on the standard. Apparently recent analyses submitted to OSHA during the comment period suggest that the agency failed to include whole industry sectors with many small businesses in its assessment of the proposed rule.

A letter (spearheaded by Senator Kit Bond (R-MO)) and being circulated for signatures of other Senators will also be sent to Labor Secretary Chao asking her to insure that OSHA fully assesses the technological feasibility of the proposed limit and the potential adverse consequences of the rule on American jobs and competitiveness.

By some estimates, the cost to the U.S. economy for a PEL this low will easily exceed $3 billion annually - far greater than OSHA's estimated cost of $220 million and could make this rule one of the most expensive federal regulations in years.

This is an important issue for our industry because of the potential precedent the rule could set for silica.

About: FeaturedLegislative
OSHA’s Top 10 Violations of the Year

In the construction and general industry fields, there are quite a number of dangers within the various work environments. This, of course, makes perfect sense when you consider the number of variables one must deal with daily. It is only logical when you

By: Justus Everett
About: Featured
Read More
Lightweight Concrete Masonry Block: Building Efficient Buildings Efficiently

In the construction industry, masonry is a labor-intensive trade. Each day, masons handle thousands of concrete masonry unit (CMU) that form a building’s structure. Because normal weight (NWT) CMU weigh about 50 pounds (lbs), repetitive lifting can strain

By: Jody Wall
About: Featured
Read More
Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Architectural Design: The Alain Ducasse Restaurant, AlUla

For Craft Group’s Alain Ducasse restaurant project in AlUla, we fostered a collaborative effort between the design team and local craftsmen and ensured that the masonry work reflected the area's cultural heritage while meeting modern construction standard

Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 12 Recap: Paul Cantarella Jr., President at Cantarella & Son, Inc.

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Paul Cantarella Jr. joins the show to talk about his career and passion for the masonry industry, how his journey started, the building of his family's company, and his life outside of work as well. Childhoo

By: Justin Stengel
About: Featured
Read More