OSHA is stepping up safety when it comes to respirable crystalline silica safety at construction worksites. Below is a brief outline of what the new standards mean. But, in order to read the full OSHA description of these safety measures, click here.

Originally, the deadline to implement these new safety standards was June 23rd, 2017. However, the deadline has been delayed until September 23rd, 2017.

Here are the key provisions of the new standards:

  • Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.
  • Requires employers to: use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL; provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure; limit worker access to high exposure areas; develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams to highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.
  • Provides medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers and gives them information about their lung health.
  • Provides flexibility to help employers — especially small businesses — protect workers from silica exposure.