Stricter OSHA combustible dust regulations

WASHINGTON — Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulators are moving to adopt tougher rules for controlling combustible dust in the workplace, according to the Courier-Journal.

According to the story, since 1980, more than 130 people have been killed and more than 780 injured in preventable combustible dust accidents.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board recommended that the federal government require stricter dust controls three years ago, but changes were never implemented, the story stated.

While many labor unions support stricter combustible dust regulations, several industry groups, including The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Federation of Independent Business, oppose changes, the story noted.

Industry awareness to the dangers of accumulating combustible dust in the workplace has improved in the last few years, but is still inadequate, the story added.