OSHA, NIOSH Issue Hazard Alert On Silica Exposure In Fracking After Advocates Press Issue

OSHA and NIOSH have issued a hazard alert to employers in the hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) industry warning them about worker exposures to silica, a move that closely follows calls by organized labor and worker safety advocates for the agencies to take action in light of new NIOSH data on silica exposures. OSHA says the hazard alert was developed in consultation with stakeholders, including industry. OSHA said Thursday (June 21) the alert focuses on ensuring that employers in fracking operations -- in which large volumes of sand, water and chemicals are injected into wells to release oil