This month, effective September 23, 2017, OSHA is issuing and enforcing a new Crystalline Silica Standard for the construction industry. This will replace the existing silica standard, which requires that silica dust particles be limited to 250 microgramsper cubic meter of air over an average 8 hour shift. The new standard reduces that to 50 micrograms over an average 8 hour shift. Last week our PA Division held a Silica Safety Stand Down meeting in Camp Hill, PA. Key points included informing employees of the new standard,  implementing our Silica Exposure Control Plan, and reviewing training on methods and practices to limit silica exposure.