1926.1153(d)(2)(i): Assessing Silica Exposure in Construction
Construction employers must assess the exposure of each worker who is or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level. They must use either the performance option or the scheduled monitoring option described in the standard.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1153(d)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 623 times in the last 3 years, in 623 inspections, with $349,816 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (114), IL (93), GA (69).
- Related part: 1926.1153(d) Alternative exposure control methods (694 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1153(d)(2)(i) ("General") is one requirement inside 1926.1153 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). 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
(i) General. The employer shall assess the exposure of each employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level in accordance with either the performance option in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) or the scheduled monitoring option in paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section. 623 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1153.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1153(d)(2)(i).
At 11:50 a.m. on November 1, 2024, Employee #1 was using a demo-saw to fit two sections of granite curbstone. The saw kicked back, causing the employee to losehis grip on the trigger with his right hand while the saw continued rotating in his left…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 45 |
| 2024 | 210 |
| 2025 | 227 |
| 2026 | 141 |
Top states: MI (114), IL (93), GA (69), TX (58), KY (28)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SUMMIT POLYMERS INC | PORTAGE, MI | $27,500 |
| RESTORATION EAST, LLC | BETHESDA, MD | $26,250 |
| CENTENNIAL CONCRETE & WATERPROOFING LLC | LITTLETON, CO | $19,359 |
| RA MILLER CONSTRUCTION CO INC | HAMILTON, OH | $11,585 |
| EMANUEL ENTERPRISES LLC | FRIENDSWOOD, TX | $11,162 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1153(d)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1153(d)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1153(d) Alternative exposure control methods 694 citations
- 1926.1153(d)(2) Exposure assessment 645 citations
- 1926.1153(d)(1) Permissible exposure limit (PEL) 35 citations
- 1926.1153(d)(3) Methods of compliance 14 citations
- 1926.1153(d)(3)(i) Engineering and work practice controls 14 citations
- 1926.1153(d)(2)(iii) Scheduled monitoring option 10 citations
- 1926.1153(d)(2)(vi) Employee notification of assessment results 1 citations
- 1926.1153(d)(2)(iii)(E)
- 1926.1153(d)(2)(iii)(B)
- 1926.1153(d)(2)(v) Methods of sample analysis
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Who must have their silica exposure assessed?
Each employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level.
What methods can the employer use?
Either the performance option or the scheduled monitoring option in the standard.
Does every worker need an assessment?
Only those who are or may reasonably be expected to be exposed at or above the action level.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1153 (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 2026-10-20
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.