December 13, 2004—A new booklet from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides easy-to-read recommendations in English and Spanish to help construction workers, abrasive blasters, and other employees protect themselves from the risk of silicosis when they are exposed on the job to silica dust.
Silicosis: Learn the Facts! / Silicosis: Conozca los datos! (DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 2004-108) also includes statistics on the prevalence of work-related deaths from silicosis, and case studies with information to help employees recognize risk factors. The booklet notes that many people with work-related silicosis are only in their thirties.
The illustrated booklet includes recommendations for using a wide range of protective measures to reduce the risk of silica dust exposure, including: avoiding working in dust; using water spray and ventilation to reduce dust; using personal protective equipment properly when needed; and practicing good personal hygiene at the workplace to avoid contamination.
The booklet can be ordered from the NIOSH toll-free information number, 800/35-NIOSH (800/356-4674), or downloaded from NIOSH.
