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OSHA Announces Delay in Enforcement of New Silica Rule for Construction Industry

April 13, 2017

Last week, OSHA announced that it was delaying enforcement of the new silica dust standards for the construction industry. The new rule, which reduces the permissible exposure limit for the construction industry by more than 80%, was set to go into effect on June 23, 2017.

However, OSHA determined that it would be delaying enforcement of the new rule by three months, until September 23, 2017, in order to provide “educational materials and guidance for employers.”

OSHA’s announcement gives construction employers additional time to develop the required safety programs and upgrade equipment to meet the new rule.  Employers are expected to be in compliance by the new September deadline, and employers should be working to implement the specific compliance measures contained in Table 1 of the new rule, as well as developing written exposure control programs and employee training.

For more information on the OSHA silica standard, see our previous articles on the topic. Stay tuned for more information.

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