my point of view…

Crystalline Silica: The Industry’s Next Asbestos?

Since what seems like the beginning of time, dust has been one of the biggest sources of complaints for aggregate operations. While trucking and groundwater have been traditional favorites and so-called “light pollution” has found favor with new-age protestors, dust is the old standby. If dust is still an issue in your operation, it’s time to bring it under control.
Recently, agencies such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) designated crystalline silica as a known human lung carcinogen. If you don’t think this affects you, you want to consider the impact asbestos had on W.R. Grace.
“Think about your personal gut reaction to terms like ‘asbestos’ or ‘lead-based paint.’ How about the big one: ‘cancer.’ If you knew your community was about to have that same kind of reaction to the products that provide your paycheck, wouldn’t you make it a priority to get prepared to respond?” said Deb McCarver, public relations director for Rogers Group, Inc. “The designation of crystalline silica as a known human carcinogen should have every aggregate company focused on education and preparation for potential public response. The impact of possible further restrictions on your right to operate could pale in comparison to the bashing our reputations as local companies and as an entire industry may be subject to. Each of us must face this reality and be prepared to address the inevitable questions that will be raised in our communities.”
So how do you prepare to deal with crystalline silica?

Get your house in order. Walk through your plants and identify potential dust sources. Evaluate the best ways to eliminate or reduce dust at the source. Make sure it’s not going through the gates.
Make sure your workers are protected. Whether or not you believe crystalline silica poses a health risk, your employees are the ones who could be most affected. An occupational health program will help you identify potential heath hazards, encourage you to address those risks and enable you to compile information about health issues at your site.
Develop a crisis management plan. This is one of those areas where the old Scouting saying “Be Prepared” holds true. Designate a spokesperson conversant in the issue. Decide what information you want to share and how to share it. You don’t want to figure this out when you see Mike Wallace pulling up to your gates.

The good news is that you may have a little time to accomplish these ambitious goals. With a nation at war, the government is solidly focused on countering terrorism and rebuilding the nation and its economy.
“Regulations, I think, are going to come out slower until this is behind us,” said Kelly Bailey, C.I.H., manager of occupational health for Vulcan Materials Co. “If you have an economy that is teetering on recession, the last thing you want to do is pile a bunch of regulations on it. I think the Bush administration understands that.”
That gives us a window of opportunity, said Bailey, a chance to accomplish these goals at our own pace. But that window is going to remain open for a finite period and then it will slam shut. Make sure you’re ready when it does.