MSHA Finalizes Silica Dust Rule With Stricter Mine Operator Provisions

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has released its final update to 50-year-old standards for respirable crystalline silica (RCS), with more stringent reporting and monitoring mandates compared to a 2023 proposal, although it also extends compliance deadlines for operators, particularly those at smaller mines. MSHA released a prepublication version of the final rule on April 16, ahead of its formal publication in the April 18 Federal Register. It will formally take effect 60 days later, on June 17...