Enhancing Workplace Safety: Covia's Commitment to Dust Control

Rhea-AI Summary

Covia, a leading industrial minerals company, has made significant strides in enhancing workplace safety through improved dust control measures. The company invested $2.0 million in projects aimed at reducing dust exposure across its locations. Notable initiatives include:

1. Working closely with sites experiencing elevated silica exposure levels
2. Establishing routine meetings with safety and health leaders
3. Increasing organization-wide communication

At the Wedron, Illinois plant, Covia implemented several tools, including a wheel wash station, concrete sand-storage bunkers, improved pavement, and an upgraded water scrubber. The Oregon, Illinois plant achieved a 60% reduction in airborne respirable dust by applying Covia's DST® Dust Suppression Technology during screen-change procedures. These efforts demonstrate Covia's commitment to protecting employees, neighbors, and the environment from the risks associated with respirable silica dust exposure.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2024 / Covia continues to prioritize reducing the risk of exposure to respirable silica dust and related diseases, such as silicosis. Through a hands-on approach, Covia worked with plants to apply collective expertise and best practices for the protection of its employees, neighbors, and the environment. This included:

• Working more closely with sites experiencing elevated silica exposure levels to develop advanced dust control measures;

• Establishing routine meetings with safety and health leaders to discuss specific risks and opportunities; and

• Increasing communication across the organization, including a summary of activities and exposure levels.

Covia invested $2.0 million in projects focused on reducing dust exposure across its locations. Notably, the Wedron, Illinois, plant introduced several impactful tools and initiatives to improve dust mitigation in its silica operations. This included:

• Stationing a wheel wash at the transition from unpaved to paved roadways to reduce mud, dust, and fugitive emissions;

• Installing concrete sand-storage bunkers at numerous locations at the facility to temporarily accumulate sands and reduce contamination;

• Replacing pavement with easier to clean surfaces across the site, and purchasing two street sweepers; and

• Replacing a water scrubber, used to control particulate emissions, with a more efficient and effective scrubber.

Covia's Oregon, Illinois, plant also adopted an innovative update to the screen-change procedures to reduce dust exposure. By applying a small amount of Covia's DST® Dust Suppression Technology on the site's screening equipment (outside of the machines, screen decks, and screens) prior to maintenance, the plant achieved a 60% reduction in airborne respirable dust.

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Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Covia
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/covia
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Covia

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

How much did Covia invest in dust control projects in 2024?

Covia invested $2.0 million in projects focused on reducing dust exposure across its locations in 2024.

What specific measures did Covia implement at its Wedron, Illinois plant to improve dust control?

At the Wedron, Illinois plant, Covia implemented a wheel wash station, concrete sand-storage bunkers, improved pavement, purchased two street sweepers, and upgraded the water scrubber used to control particulate emissions.

How effective was the dust reduction strategy at Covia's Oregon, Illinois plant?

The Oregon, Illinois plant achieved a 60% reduction in airborne respirable dust by applying Covia's DST® Dust Suppression Technology during screen-change procedures.

What are the main goals of Covia's dust control initiatives?

Covia's dust control initiatives aim to reduce the risk of exposure to respirable silica dust and related diseases, such as silicosis, while protecting employees, neighbors, and the environment.

How is Covia (CVIA) improving communication about dust control measures within the organization?

Covia is increasing communication across the organization by establishing routine meetings with safety and health leaders and providing summaries of activities and exposure levels.