10 Key Reasons for Dust Control

The massive amounts of silica dust that is created just can't be of any good for our health.  Exposure to silica dust is a major respiratory health hazard . . . that eventually leads to silicosis.

Dust Clean-up Expense

Probably your No. 1 Reason for Purchasing a Dust Control System.  Using a dust control system is the only realistic way of keeping a job site clean.  Sweeping, vacuuming, or washing the dust after you created it is kind of ridiculous, and it only creates additional health, environmental and safety problems . . .

Anytime that waste is created, that you don't have to handle, there will always be payback in labor savings.  Have you ever considered the expense of cleaning windows?  - Silica dust is attracted to glass like a magnet!

And the wash down effect on the environment . . . Pressuring washing a building and its surrounding area . . . including plants, trees, vehicles, sidewalks, parking lots, streets, etc. . . . Where do you think the runoff goes?

There are laws . . . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the local sanitary and sewer authorities have limits for the amount of suspended solids and pH levels that can do down into local sewer systems.

These types of discharges into the storm drains have recently become a priority with the federal and state EPA, water quality control officials, regional and local inspectors, as well as other advocate and environmental groups.

These illegal discharges can bring fines of $10,000 per day plus $10 per gallon . . . and up to $30,000 per day if the EPA becomes involved.

Legal Obligations

Absolutely Your No. 1 Reason for Purchasing a Dust Control System.  Why buy a dust control system?  In a word, Lungs.  

In recent filings, silica dust exposure has been excluded from Workers Compensation claims.  Insurance companies know that airborne particles cause lung and throat cancer, and likewise they've been excluding this respiratory claim from Workers Compensation.

Numerous medical studies have determined that masonry dust is a major respiratory hazard.  And aside from the ever looming possibility of lung cancer, many contractors are haunted by nagging side effects such as continuous coughing, sneezing attacks, throat phlegm, asthma, eye irritation and dust allergies.

If the immediate and long-term well-being of our workers doesn't strike a moral obligation, the monetary obligations of failed health might be a stronger influence.  Even without Workers Compensation, negligence can still lead to lawsuits . . .

But not every reason for dust control involves the threat of negative repercussions.  Beyond the impression a dirty site gives to customers, it also sends a message to the workers.  If a job site is clean and in good working conditions, workers are happier and more productive . . .  Likewise, working in dirty and unhealthy conditions leads to a high employee turnover rate among companies . . .

Dust control systems have also been known to lower a company's insurance rates.  When insurance companies rate companies they are concerned with prevention and maintaining safety.  Companies that incorporate dust control measures are less susceptible to such health hazards, which can lower insurance premiums.