Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) is launching a free online training course in Spanish to help employers put in place protective measures for workers against the potential hazards of inhaling airborne crystalline silica dust the air.
Any worker exposed to dust containing crystalline silica – crushed rock, soil, dirt, gravel or sand, for example – should be concerned about silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhalation of dust containing crystalline silica particles – particles so tiny you can only see them with a microscope.
Featuring powerful visuals, personal stories, instructional videos, links to resources and a certificate of completion, the training course is designed to build employers’ ability to meet the requirements of Oregon’s silica rules OSHA, according to an OSHA statement. The course offers a tool for employers and workers to reinforce their existing training programs.
Common sources of exposure to silica dust include cutting, sawing, drilling, and crushing concrete, brick, ceramic tile, rock, and stone products. When inhaled, silica particles are trapped in the lungs and damage tissue. The lung tissue heals and forms small rounded masses called nodules. Over time, the nodules grow, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.
“The Spanish Silica Safety Course reflects Oregon OSHA’s ongoing commitment to expanding our educational offerings to reach a variety of audiences and to helping employers and workers address a full range of potential hazards on workplace,” said Lou Savage, acting OSHA administrator. “Indeed, this course is not just about the important work of making workplaces safer from the dangers of silica. It is also about breaking down language barriers.
The training course covers a variety of topics. They include the different forms of silica and where it can be found; work activities involving construction materials that may cause silica dust to be airborne and respirable; the Oregon OSHA Silica Standard and its provisions to protect workers; and instructional videos showing the protective measures workers can take when using power tools.
The course is now available. Visit all Oregon OSHA Spanish online education and training resources.
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