by Iheama Ikwuagwu | Nov 9, 2026 | Blog, Respiratory Protection, Silica
Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials like sand, stone, and concrete. When these materials are cut, drilled, or crushed, they release tiny silica dust particles into the air. Inhaling these particles can lead to serious health issues like...
by Iheama Ikwuagwu | Nov 2, 2026 | Blog, Respiratory Protection
In the U.S., an estimated 5 million workers must wear respirators on the job. And, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. employers reported 54,000 respiratory illness cases in 2024. While these two figures measure different things, both show respiratory...
by Chris Walter | Sep 16, 2026 | Blog, Respiratory Protection, Uncategorized
OSHA inspections can uncover problems that go far beyond missing paperwork. A recent case involving a pulp mill in Baileyville, Maine, is a sobering example. Two employees died following exposure to toxic gas in January, and subsequent OSHA investigations uncovered a...
by Chris Walter | Sep 1, 2026 | Respiratory Protection, Silica
Nearly $500,000 in Fines: Another Reminder That Silica Compliance Isn’t Optional A brick manufacturer in central Pennsylvania is facing close to half a million dollars in federal penalties after inspectors say workers were knowingly exposed to dangerous levels...
by Iheama Ikwuagwu | Aug 14, 2026 | Blog, Respiratory Protection, Uncategorized
It’s estimated that OSHA requires roughly 5 million U.S. workers across 1.3 million workplaces to wear a respirator on the job. Very few think about their health history until a clearance exam flags something they never thought about: a wheeze developed over...
by Iheama Ikwuagwu | Aug 3, 2026 | Blog, Respiratory Protection, Silica, Uncategorized
Every respirable dust program looks good on paper. That is, until the first exposure results come back. Respirable dust remains one of the most significant occupational health risks in mining. Yet many mine operators still struggle to build programs that consistently...
