Since the new Silica Standard discussion took place during The Unified Groups 2018 Safety Director’s Forum earlier this year, many companies have been executing measures to ensure compliance.  The impact of the new Silica Standard requires a time-sensitive approach to ensure overall employee safety.  “My goal after attending the forum was to really emphasize the importance of the Silica program to our employees,” said Air Comfort’s Safety Director, Robert Fisher.  At Air Comfort’s All-Hands Safety Meeting, Fisher outlined the new Silica responsibilities and ensured employees had all of the necessary hand tools needed to comply with the Silica program such as handheld concrete drills with dust collecting attachments and HEPA filters as well as vacuum cleaners with special HEPA filters.  Fisher also showed a video on Silica as it relates to the mechanical industry which outlined the dangers involved and how to eliminate those dangers for the employees. The extensive presentation included handouts, an explanation of those handouts and a test on the presented materials.

By outlining the responsibilities, Air Comfort has been successful with continually reinforcing those objectives on job-site visits.  “Our employees were very receptive to the idea of increasing safety for Silica exposure. They realize it is a huge benefit for them down the road,” said Fisher.  As a result, the entire construction division has become totally equipped with the proper tools required for Silica Safety.