DeLauro Statement on the Department of Labor’s New Silica Rule

WASHINGTON, DC (March 24, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding a final rule announced by the U.S. Department of Labor that will improve protections for workers exposed to respirable silica dust. The rule will lower the exposure limit for crystalline silica and require employers to use engineering controls and work practices to limit worker exposure.

“The Department of Labor’s new rule on silica exposure is welcome news for the millions of American workers who are exposed to crystalline silica each year. From construction workers to bricklayers, every American worker deserves the right to breathe clean air. This rule not only keeps workers healthy on the job, it protects them from dangerous side effects and complications that can occur years later.

“Concerns over silica were first raised in 1938 by Frances Perkins, the first woman who served as Secretary of Labor and this new rule has been years in the making. I applaud Secretary Perez and the Department of Labor for taking this step to ensure the health and wellbeing of employees across the country.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that when the final rule becomes fully effective, it will save more than 600 lives annually and prevent more than 900 new cases of silicosis – an incurable and progressive disease – each year.

DeLauro is the senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

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