DOL Seeks Input on Respirable Silica Safety Standards Extension
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on rules that help protect workers from harmful dust called respirable crystalline silica in industries like construction, shipping, and factories. Employers must keep track of dust exposure, set safety zones, and monitor workers’ health to keep everyone safe. Comments are open until June 8, 2026, and these rules help prevent costly health problems and keep workplaces safer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Workers get exposure monitoring and medical checks
If you work in general industry, maritime, or construction, your employer must monitor your exposure to respirable crystalline silica, conduct medical surveillance, and keep records so employers, workers, physicians, and the Government can check that you are not being harmed by silica exposure.
Estimated national compliance burden disclosed
The Department estimates this information collection affects 818,438 private-sector respondents, will generate 18,175,280 responses, requires 8,186,825 hours of annual time burden, and imposes $220,825,320 in total annual other costs on affected businesses.
Employers must monitor silica exposure
If you run a private-sector business in general industry, maritime, or construction, you must monitor employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica, set either regulated areas or a written access control plan, conduct medical surveillance, and keep accurate employee exposure and medical records.
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