OSHA to Delay Enforcement of the Silica Standard
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​OSHA announced in April that they will delay enforcement of the crystalline silica standard that applies to the construction industry in order to conduct additional outreach and provide educational materials and guidance for employers.  Enforcement of the standard is being delayed by 90 days.  Originally set to begin June 23rd, enforcement will now begin September 23, 2017. 

In a memorandum to Regional Administrators, OSHA stated that they are currently developing educational materials for employers and enforcement guidance for OSHA staff that will be made available shortly.  Regional OSHA staff will provide these materials to employers subject to the requirements under § 1926.1153 and will provide guidance on steps employers can take to ensure that they are in compliance with the new provisions when enforcement begins on September 23, 2017.
 
The agency has determined that additional guidance is necessary due to the unique nature of the requirements in the Silica standard.  However, OSHA still expects employers 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.
• continue to prepare to implement the standard's other requirements, including exposure assessment, medical surveillance and employee training. 

 
Click here for more information on the Silica Standard.

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