Final answer:
OSHA's regulatory standards aim to reduce the incidence of silicosis, though a specific number of prevented cases per year is not mentioned. These regulations include a broad spectrum of workplace safety measures and require employers to minimize exposure to recognized serious hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The OSHA standard for respirable crystalline silica was projected to significantly reduce the number of new silicosis cases among workers. While as to the exact number of cases prevented per year is not provided in the given information, the impact of OSHA's regulatory standards is implied to be substantial in safeguarding worker health.
OSHA's regulations, which cover workplace safety practices across Construction, General Industry, Maritime, and Agriculture sectors, are crucial in preventing occupational diseases such as silicosis. The wide range of hazards addressed includes fall protection, trenching cave-ins prevention, limiting exposure to infectious diseases and harmful chemicals, and requirements for the use of protective equipment like respirators. These comprehensive standards are critical, considering OSHA's challenges in inspecting the vast number of workplaces with its limited number of inspectors.
Employers are also bound by the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, reinforcing the imperative to maintain workplaces free from serious recognized hazards where no specific OSHA standard is applicable. Such measures are expected to reduce the incidence of occupational illnesses, including silicosis, contributing to a healthier workforce.