1910.1053(j)(1): Hazard Communication for Respirable Crystalline Silica
Employers must include respirable crystalline silica in their hazard communication program and make sure each employee can access labels on silica containers and safety data sheets and is trained under the HCS and paragraph (j)(3). At least these hazards must be covered: cancer, lung effects, immune system effects and kidney effects.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1053(j)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 197 times in the last 3 years, in 197 inspections, with $210,604 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (29), PA (21), NY (18).
- Related part: 1910.1053(j) Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees (412 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1053(j)(1) ("Hazard communication") is one requirement inside 1910.1053 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) Hazard communication. The employer shall include respirable crystalline silica in the program established to comply with the hazard communication standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200). The employer shall ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of crystalline silica and safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the provisions of HCS and paragraph (j)(3) of this section. The employer shall ensure that at least the following hazards are addressed: Cancer, lung effects, immune system effects, and kidney effects. 197 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1053(j)(1).
At 1:08 p.m. on March 20, 2024, an employee died of silicosis from occupational exposure.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 92 |
| 2025 | 69 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Top states: IL (29), PA (21), NY (18), MI (16), FL (13)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TOP SHELF MANUFACTURING INC. | WARREN, OH | $9,268 |
| 5280 PRODUCTIONS LLC | LAKEWOOD, CO | $9,000 |
| SYNAGRO-WWT, INC. | KANSAS CITY, MO | $8,867 |
| GQM STONE SOLUTIONS, INC. | ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL | $7,606 |
| CANTON DROP FORGE, INC. | CANTON, OH | $7,437 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1053(j)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1053(j)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1053(j) Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees 412 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(3) Employee information and training 184 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(3)(i) 165 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(2) Signs 31 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(3)(ii) 19 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Does silica need to be in the hazard communication program?
Yes. Respirable crystalline silica must be included in the HCS program.
What silica hazards must be addressed?
At least cancer, lung effects, immune system effects and kidney effects.
Must workers have access to silica safety data sheets?
Yes. Each employee must have access to labels on containers of crystalline silica and safety data sheets.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1053 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-22
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.