Silica risk, resulting in silicosis, is not new and one familiar to many companies as the cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling and crushing of stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, mortar and industrial sand is part of their everyday business. Recently, the federal government announced they will seek to reduce the exposure-monitoring standards that will affect a significant amount of businesses and cost millions in additional compliance.
The recent article in Engineering News-Record summarizes the current issue pretty well. There is also a great deal of information on the OSHA website and a copy of the proposed OSHA Silica Rules can be found here.
One of the items to pay particular attention to is how General Liability Insurers are treating Bodily Injury and Property Damage claims resulting from silica – basically, they are completely EXCLUDING them from coverage through one of many endorsements affixed to the GL (and sometimes umbrella) policies. Click here for sample endorsements.
As you consider your risk from operational exposures that may include silica exposure, feel free to contact Albert L. Sica if you would like to discuss these exposures or risk mitigation steps in further detail.
About The ALS Group
Albert L. Sica is the Founder and Managing Principal of The ALS Group, an independent insurance and risk management consulting firm focused on helping their clients reduce insurance and risk related costs. E-mail Al at [email protected], or call (732)395-4251 for more information.
