According to OSHA, 2.3 million workers are exposed to crystalline silica on the job in 676,000 construction, general industry, and maritime workplaces. To better protect these workers, OSHA has finalized two new crystalline silica standards: one for general industry and maritime (1910.1053), and one for construction (1926.1153), both effective June 23, 2016.

To help companies comply with the training component of the standards, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., a leader in safety and regulatory compliance, has introduced two new online training courses:

Crystalline Silica for Construction
Crystalline Silica for General Industry

Training is a key component of the standards, according to Mark Stromme, workplace safety expert at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. “The new OSHA standards have specific training requirements for employees exposed to crystalline silica,” he said. “This training will help save more than 600 lives annually and prevent more than 900 new cases of silicosis - an incurable and progressive disease - each year.”

The new courses are designed to educate workers on how to protect themselves from the dangers of crystalline silica dust. Each 30-minute course details various industry-specific tasks that could result in exposure, identifies health hazards caused by exposure, details how to apply control measures to limit exposure, and explains the purpose of OSHA’s required medical surveillance program.

To learn more about Crystalline Silica for Construction Online Course and Crystalline Silica for General Industry Online Course, visit JJKellertraining.com.