OSHA's New Crystalline Silica Standard is Now Being Enforced for Construction

Miller & Martin PLLC Alerts | October 11, 2017

Author: Neil Wilcove

Enforcement began September 23, 2017, for the construction industry. Everyone covered by the standard is required to:

  1. Establish and implement a written exposure control plan
  2. Designate a competent person to implement the written exposure control plan
  3. Restrict housekeeping practices that expose workers to silica where feasible alternatives are available
  4. Offer medical exams for workers
  5. Train workers on ways to restrict and limit exposure to silica
  6. Keep records of exposure and medical exams

In addition to these requirements, general industry is required to:

  1. Measure the amount of silica exposure on an average 8-hour day
  2. Protect workers from exposures higher than the permissible exposure limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air
  3. Limit exposure, use dust controls and provide respirators related to the permissible exposure limits.

Enforcement for the construction industry has already begun, and enforcement for general industry will begin June 23, 2018.

Now is the time to measure, monitor, test and reduce exposure. If you are unsure where to start, contact Neil Wilcove or any member of our Workplace Environmental, Health & Safety/OSHA Practice Group.