SILICA IN THE WORKPLACE
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the workplace. The supervisor must advise the worker about hazards of which he or she is aware and the
worker must report to his supervisor whenever he or she becomes aware of a hazard or a contravention
of the Act or Regulations. These, and other duties set out in the Act apply to silica as they do to any other
safety or health hazard present in the workplace. In addition, the Act specifies certain general duties,
which apply to toxic substances in the workplace once appropriate regulations are in effect. Worker
exposures related to the presence, production, processing, use, handling or storage of silica are the
subject of the Designated Substances Regulation 490/09 made under the Occupational Health and Safety
Act.
2. Regulations Made Under The Occupational Health And Safety Act
Section 70(2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act empowers the Lieutenant Governor to issue
regulations:
Prescribing any biological, chemical or physical agent or combination thereof as a designated
substance
AND
Prohibiting, regulating, restricting, limiting or controlling the handling of, exposure to, or the use
and disposal of any designated substance
The Designated Substances Regulation prescribes silica as a designated substance and outlines the legal
requirements, which must be met for regulating its use in the workplace. Figure 2 is a decision diagram
for assessing and controlling silica.
