OSHA to Begin Enforcement of the Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction Standard
In a memorandum to its Regional Administrators, OSHA stated that it will begin to fully enforce the silica in construction standard. The rule became effective September 23, 2017, but OSHA offered compliance assistance in lieu of enforcement for those employers making good faith efforts to comply with the standard. The compliance assistance was scheduled to run for 30 days. Effective October 23, 2017, the compliance assistance will cease, and OSHA will begin to enforce the silica in construction standard.
The memorandum will also serve as interim enforcement guidance while the compliance directive proceeds through the review process. Once the compliance directive becomes effective and available, the interim guidance will expire. Two attachments to the memorandum provide inspection and citation guidance for its inspectors. Also attached are flowcharts to help evaluate employers’ control methods.
Source:
Memorandum from Patrick J. Kapust, Acting Director, Directorate of Enforcement Programs, “Interim Guidance for the Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction Standard, 29 CFR 1926.1153,” October 19, 2017
