How can workers protect themselves

Employers are required to follow regulations dealing with asbestos exposure on the job that have been issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Federal agency responsible for health and safety regulations in maritime, construction, manufacturing, and service workplaces. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforces regulations related to mine safety. Workers should use all protective equipment provided by their employers and follow recommended work practices and safety procedures. For example, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators that fit properly should be worn by workers when required.

Workers who are concerned about asbestos exposure in the workplace should discuss the situation with other employees, their employee health and safety representative, and their employers. If necessary, OSHA can provide more information or make an inspection. Regional offices of OSHA are listed in the “United States Government” section of telephone directories’ blue pages (under “Department of Labor”).

Organization:	Office of Public Affairs Occupational Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor
Address:	Room N–3647 200 Constitution Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20210
Telephone:	202–693–1999 1–800–321–6742 (1–800–321–OSHA)
TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing callers):	1–877–889–5627

Mine workers may contact:

Organization: Office of Information and Public Affairs
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
U.S. Department of Labor

Address: 23^rd Floor
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209–3939

Telephone: 202–693–9400

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is another Federal agency that is concerned with asbestos exposure in the workplace. The Institute conducts asbestos-related research, evaluates work sites for possible health hazards, and makes exposure control recommendations. In addition, NIOSH distributes publications on the health effects of asbestos exposure and can suggest additional sources of information. NIOSH can be contacted at:

Organization:	Information Resources Branch National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Address:	Robert A. Taft Laboratories Mailstop C–18 4676 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45226–1998
Telephone:	1–800–356–4674 (1–800–35–NIOSH)