OSHA to Provide Grace Period for Silica Rule Compliance
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided — once enforcement begins — a 30-day grace period for general industry and maritime employers making good-faith efforts to comply with the Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica rule. The rule limits the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica over an eight-hour shift to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air for the construction industry, one-fifth of the previous maximum, as well as for general industry and the maritime industry at half of the previous maximum. The standard becomes enforceable as of June 23. Galen Blanton, acting deputy assistant secretary for OSHA, says, "If upon inspection it appears an employer is not making any efforts to comply, compliance officers should conduct air monitoring in accordance with agency procedures and consider citations for noncompliance with any applicable sections of the new standard. Any proposed citations related to inspections conducted in this 30-day time period will require National Office review prior to issuance."