In 2013, NIOSH researchers published exposure assessment results for respirable crystalline silica in oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers performing hydraulic fracturing. The results were noteworthy; a previously unidentified but serious occupational exposure hazard was discovered, and risks were significant‒in some cases, personal breathing zone exposures exceeded 10 times the occupational exposure limits. This research and resulting engineering and administrative control outcomes would not have happened if not for a devoted group of occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals that comprised the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) OGE Sector Council, and the partnerships formed with OHS leaders in the
…
