Silica Rule Implementation Delayed

Yesterday, OSHA announced it would delay the enforcement of the crystalline silica standard until September 23, 2017. Originally the standard was slated to go into effect on June 23, 2017. The additional ninety days is a good thing for contractors.

In a news release, OSHA “has determined that additional guidance is necessary due to the unique nature of the requirements in the construction standard.” The unnecessarily complicated and infeasibility of this rule is one of the elements of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition’s (CISC), which NUCA is a member, legal suit against OSHA challenging this rule. In response to OSHA’s delay, the CISC released the following statement:

 

The Construction Industry Safety Coalition is pleased that OSHA has recognized the need to develop guidance material for the construction industry before enforcing the silica rule, and we remain committed to working with the agency to create a feasible standard that promotes safe and healthy jobsites.  While the CISC appreciates the 90-day delay in enforcement, the CISC remains concerned about the overall feasibility of the standard in construction and has requested that the Agency delay enforcement for a year.

We will continue to pursue legal avenues to stop the Crystalline Silica Standard from going into effect as is and will continue to explore other remedies.