1926.1153(g)(1): Written Silica Exposure Control Plan
Construction employers must create and follow a written exposure control plan for respirable crystalline silica. The plan must describe the tasks that create silica exposure, the engineering controls, work practices and respirators used for each task, the housekeeping methods used, and how access to work areas is restricted when needed, including exposure from other employers.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1153(g)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 625 times in the last 3 years, in 608 inspections, with $538,923 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (144), IL (93), CT (44).
- Related part: 1926.1153(g) Written exposure control plan (703 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.1153 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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) The employer shall establish and implement a written exposure control plan that contains at least the following elements: 625 citations
(i) A description of the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica; Open (g)(1)(i) 12 citations
(ii) A description of the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica for each task; Open (g)(1)(ii) 15 citations
(iii) A description of the housekeeping measures used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica; and 5 citations
(iv) A description of the procedures used to restrict access to work areas, when necessary, to minimize the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica and their level of exposure, including exposures generated by other employers or sole proprietors. Open (g)(1)(iv) 10 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(g)(1).
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 | 53 |
| 2024 | 227 |
| 2025 | 202 |
| 2026 | 143 |
Top states: MI (144), IL (93), CT (44), NY (33), KY (27)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JAMES O'BRIEN & CO. | WINNETKA, IL | $11,292 |
| SIR LINES-A-LOT, LLC | MADISON, WI | $8,816 |
| COW-BAY SPRINKLER CORP. | MOHEGAN LAKE, NY | $8,067 |
| COMPLETE RESTORATION & WATERPROOFING INC. | LEXINGTON, MA | $8,000 |
| SER CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS, LLC | MANVEL, TX | $7,606 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1153(g)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1153(g)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1153(g) Written exposure control plan 703 citations
- 1926.1153(g)(4) 62 citations
- 1926.1153(g)(1)(ii) 15 citations
- 1926.1153(g)(1)(i) 12 citations
- 1926.1153(g)(1)(iv) 10 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must a silica exposure control plan include?
Tasks with silica exposure, the controls and respirators for each task, housekeeping measures, and procedures to restrict access to work areas when necessary.
Is it enough to just write the plan?
No. The employer must both establish and implement the written plan.
Does the plan cover dust from other contractors?
Yes. Access restriction procedures must address exposures generated by other employers or sole proprietors.
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.