OSHA Focus On Construction 'Alternatives' Could Complicate Planned Beryllium Rule

OSHA officials are looking into unspecified regulatory “alternatives” that would apply to the construction sector as they explore a rulemaking to tackle worker exposures to the toxic metal beryllium, in an effort that a source familiar with the issue says could make it increasingly difficult to get a new standard issued, though worker advocates consider it vital to take into account hazards to workers who use beryllium-containing abrasive blasting agents in construction activities.