The Department of Labor issued a final rule to protect miners from harmful exposure to silica dust. The final rule lowered the exposure limit of silica dust for an 8-hour work day. In addition to the exposure limits, the rule required mine operators to use engineering controls to prevent miners’ overexposure, required that operators provide periodic health examinations for workers at no cost, and provided updated respiratory protection standards and practices. This rule was intended to help protect the health of mine workers, as exposure to silica dust can lead to lung cancer, silicosis, kidney disease, and pulmonary disease. The rule’s initial provisions were effective on Jun. 17, 2024, while the remaining provisions go into effect on Apr. 8, 2026. Read the final rule protecting miners from silica dust exposure.