OSHA ISSUES GUIDANCE ON ENFORCEMENT OF NEW SILICA STANDARD

On the eve of the effective date (September 23, 2017) of the new Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction, OSHA has issued guidance to its staff about enforcement of the standard in the next 30 days.

A memorandum distributed nationwide to OSHA Regional Administrators acknowledges that “good faith efforts” to meet the new standard will be carefully considered.  During the first month after the effective date of the standard, OSHA will offer compliance assistance and outreach in order to ensure that employers are fully and properly following the new requirements; especially the controls outlined in Table 1 of the standard.  OSHA will assist those who need support to understand and comply.

If, however, upon inspection, it appears that an employer is not making any effort to comply, then an OSHA inspection will include collection of exposure air monitoring performed in accordance with Agency procedures.  Furthermore, those businesses may also be considered for citation. Any proposed citations related to inspections conducted during the initial 30-day time period will require review at the national level.

To access the “Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction,” click here. 

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