The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is delaying enforcement of the crystalline silica standard that applies to the construction industry.
According to OSHA, the delay is in place so the agency can conduct additional outreach and provide educational materials and guidance for employers.
OSHA 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, 2017, enforcement will now begin Sept. 23, 2017.
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 should also continue to prepare to implement the standard’s other requirements, including exposure assessment, medical surveillance and employee training.