Dust Hazards in Construction
Construction | 10-15 min
Summary
Crystalline silica, found in concrete, brick, stone, and sand, is one of the most dangerous substances in construction. Each year, silica exposure causes approximately 900 new cases of silicosis and contributes to hundreds of lung cancer deaths among construction workers. OSHA's permissible exposure limit for silica is just 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air - an amount completely invisible to the naked eye.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Silica dust causes incurable lung disease
- Use wet methods and vacuum systems to control dust
- Follow OSHA Table 1 for common construction tasks
- Wear appropriate respiratory protection
- Don't use compressed air for cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.