Washington, DC (March 24, 2016) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA - the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement in reaction to the issuance of a new OSHA standard for silica:

The new OSHA standard for silica is a welcome and long overdue step towards safer job sites for the many millions of workers who suffer from its deadly impacts. LIUNA has advocated with our allies in the Building Trades for a stronger standard on silica exposure for many years. The agency should be applauded for their efforts in finalizing the rule and consideration of stakeholder input. We look forward to reviewing the rule in greater detail.

 

For too long, workers in the construction industry have been needlessly exposed to silica-related diseases. With implementation of this rule, millions of construction workers – including the hardworking men and women of LIUNA - will be safer on the job.

 

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The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build America.