June 12, 2012 at 07:23 PM
A key public interest group is pressing OSHA, NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to tackle crystalline silica hazards in the hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) industry through several measures: a hazard alert that warns the industry of hazards and makes exposure control recommendations; an assessment of mine workers' exposures; and issuance of a new OSHA silica standard which has been delayed at the White House since last year. Industry sources, however, suggest that enforcement of OSHA's existing silica standard could adequately address the hazard in fracking operation