The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a delay in enforcement of the crystalline silica standard that applies to the construction industry. Originally scheduled to begin June 23, 2017, enforcement will now begin September 23, 2017. OSHA will be conducting additional outreach and providing educational materials and guidance for employers.

OSHA expects employers in the construction industry 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. Construction employers should also continue to prepare to implement the standard’s other requirements, including exposure assessment, medical surveillance and employee training.

To view OSHA’s full press release, click here.