OSHA Announces Updated Silica Inspection and Enforcement Standards

Late last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new compliance directive establishing “uniformity in inspection and enforcement procedures when addressing respirable crystalline silica exposures in general industry, maritime, and construction.” This new directive is aimed at clarifying, for employers and inspectors alike, how OSHA’s silica standard will be enforced. As per OSHA, the new directive covers uniform compliance covering the various silica requirements and details new, specific instructions on how inspections will be conducted in a number of compliance areas, including:

• Methods of compliance;
• Exposure assessments;
• Housekeeping;
• Respiratory protection;
• Regulated areas;
• Recordkeeping;
• Employee information and training;
• Medical surveillance; and
• Communication of hazards.   

Click here to review the OHSA press release and here to review the compliance directive. For more information, contact Kevin Walgenbach at kwalgenbach@nrmca.org.

National Ready Mixed Concrete Association