OSHA Delays Enforcing Silica Standard in Construction

By Rod Smith, Pat Miller, Chuck Newcom, Matt Morrison, and Alyssa Levy

On April 6th, OSHA announced a delay in the enforcement of its crystalline silica standard in the construction industry. Enforcement will be delayed until September 23, 2017, so that additional outreach, educational materials, and guidance can be provided to employers. The standard was scheduled to take effect on June 23, 2017.

In a News Release announcing the delay, OSHA said it expects construction employers to continue their efforts to come into compliance with the new standard.

This delay only applies to construction. As of now, the compliance deadline for General Industry, Maritime, and Hydraulic Fracturing remains June 23, 2018.

Rod Smith, Pat Miller, Chuck Newcom, Matt Morrison and Alyssa Levy are part of Sherman & Howard’s Labor & Employment Law Department, practicing in the areas of occupational safety and health law. They routinely appear before the federal Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, and state occupational safety and health boards.

Sherman & Howard L.L.C. has prepared this advisory to provide general information on recent legal developments that may be of interest. This advisory does not provide legal advice for any specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship between any reader and the Firm.

©2017 Sherman & Howard L.L.C.                                                                                           April 7, 2017