ARTBA Files Comments on MSHA’s Crystalline Silica Safety Standards

What happened: ARTBA and industry allies filed comments Sept. 11 on the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) proposed safety standards for crystalline silica.

Why it matters: The proposed standards apply to all coal, metal, and non-metal mines and set permissible levels of silica exposure. They also require new sampling requirements, medical surveillance, and record keeping.

ARTBA asked that construction activities performed at mine sites fall under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standard rather than MSHA’s. Members already comply with the OSHA standard and should not be subject to duplicative requirements.

What’s next: MSHA will review the public comments submitted on the proposal and issue a final rule. No timeline has been given for when the rule will be finalized.