OSHA on April 6 announced a three-month delay in enforcement of the crystalline silica standard for construction, citing the need for more outreach, educational materials and guidance for employers.
The agency has determined that additional guidance is necessary due to the unique nature of the requirements in the construction standard. Originally scheduled to begin June 23, enforcement now will begin Sept. 23.
OSHA expects employers in the construction industry to continue to take steps either to come into compliance with the new permissible exposure limit, or to implement specific dust controls for certain operations as provided in Table 1 of the standard. Construction employers also should continue to prepare to implement the standard’s other requirements, including exposure assessment, medical surveillance and employee training.
