Silica enforcement inspections reveal violations of multiple standards

In addition to the silica standard, OSHA most often found violations of the hazard communication, respiratory protection, and noise standards during its silica enforcement inspections. The enforcement initiative, which supplements the agency’s National Emphasis Program for Respirable Crystalline Silica, establishes procedures for prioritizing inspections in covered industries where workers face exposure to high levels of silica dust.

From September 2023 through July 8, 2024, OSHA conducted 204 targeted inspections of cut stone and stone product manufacturers and wholesalers of brick, stone, and related material, and issued 149 citations.

Outside of the silica standard, the most common violations were:

• Lack of a written hazard communication program,
• Lack of or deficient written respiratory protection program, and
• Lack of medical examinations for employees required to wear respirators.

More details on OSHA’s findings can be found on their website.