January 23, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Publishes New Frequently Asked Questions
on Controlling Silica in General Industry

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has posted new frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the agency's standard for respirable crystalline silica in general industry.

OSHA developed the FAQs in consultation with industry and union stakeholders to provide guidance to employers and employees on the standard's requirements, such as exposure assessments, regulated areas, methods of compliance, and communicating silica hazards to employees. The questions and answers are organized by topic, and include an introductory paragraph that provides background information about the regulatory requirements.

Visit OSHA's silica standard for general industry webpage for more information and resources on complying with the standard.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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Media Contact:

Megan Sweeney, 202-693-4661, Sweeney.Megan.P@dol.gov

Release Number:  19-134-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).