Abstract
We describe the development and implementation of a novel, on-line risk assessment tool for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure for use in the construction sector. It was motivated by the introduction of new OHS regulation in British Columbia that allowed for the substitution of exposure measurement data with “objective air monitoring data” collected at “equivalent work operations.” This allowance encouraged the introduction of quantitative risk assessment in a notoriously challenging work environment but it was concluded that without assistance, the typical construction employer would struggle to identify, extract, and interpret validate objective data. The tool described here was based on a continually-updatable RCS exposure database, and a predictive regression model based on the database to generate exposure risk estimates. The model was embedded in an adaptive web-based application that can be run on common platforms. The design followed standard web conventions and features so that no specialized training is required for its use. It was designed to be usable by end-users with varying expertise, including non-OHS experts. Users describe the RCS-dust generating task they will perform, and associated control measures. The tool estimates both uncontrolled and controlled task-based exposure concentrations. Using additional information entered by the user, the on-line tool generates an “exposure control plan” or ECP, a legally regulated document for those undertaking work potentially exposing workers to RCS particulate. The development of the tool was a community-based, tri-partite effort of the local OHS regulator, construction employers, and exposure scientists. In addition to being a practical risk assessment tool, the designers wanted it to function as an educational tool, and that it should explore novel methods for exposure data collection and use. The strengths of this approach include the publicly shared updateable database that encourages continuous improvement and illustrates best practices; and the timely and cost effective collection and sharing of exposure data in a value-added manner. It is however limited to a single task per ECP, and only considers exposure to task operators, and not adjacent workers. Currently in BC, users generate up to 3,900 ECP's per year with the tool.
Highlights
Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is an age-old problem
In this community case study, we focus on describing the development, implementation, and maintenance of a novel, multi-part on-line risk assessment tool for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure for use in the construction sector
Increased emphasis has been placed on qualitative exposure assessment such as occupational exposure banding (14)
Summary
Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is an age-old problem. RCS is a confirmed human carcinogen (1), and exposure is associated with non-malignant diseases such as silicosis (2) and tuberculosis (3). None of the available tools satisfied the specific requirements of the BC situation, leaving a knowledge gap, and an opportunity for development of an end-user exposure data management tool In this community case study, we focus on describing the development, implementation, and maintenance of a novel, multi-part on-line risk assessment tool for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure for use in the construction sector. The final model selected for exposure estimation was a parsimonious multiple linear regression model with exposure level (in mg/m3) as the dependent variable, and the following predictor variables: sampling duration (minutes); common silica process (combines task, tool, and material variables); industry sector (e.g., residential, industrial, civil); project type (e.g., new, renovation, or demolition); work environment New user accounts are set up by providing basic company identifying information This data is presented on the title page of each exposure control plan (ECP) generated. The tool was released to the public in May, 2017 as the “Silica
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