1926.1153(h)(6): PLHCP's written medical opinion for the employer
Key takeaways
- 1926.1153(h)(6) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- Related part: 1926.1153(h) Medical surveillance (26 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(6) ("PLHCP's written medical opinion for the employer") is one requirement inside 1926.1153 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Z). It includes 8 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
(6) PLHCP's written medical opinion for the employer.
(i) The employer shall obtain a written medical opinion from the PLHCP within 30 days of the medical examination. The written opinion shall contain only the following:
(A) The date of the examination;
(B) A statement that the examination has met the requirements of this section; and
(C) Any recommended limitations on the employee's use of respirators.
(ii) If the employee provides written authorization, the written opinion shall also contain either or both of the following:
(A) Any recommended limitations on the employee's exposure to respirable crystalline silica;
(B) A statement that the employee should be examined by a specialist (pursuant to paragraph (h)(7) of this section) if the chest X-ray provided in accordance with this section is classified as 1/0 or higher by the B Reader, or if referral to a specialist is otherwise deemed appropriate by the PLHCP.
(iii) The employer shall ensure that each employee receives a copy of the written medical opinion described in paragraph (h)(6)(i) and (ii) of this section within 30 days of each medical examination performed.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1153.
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1153(h)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Retention of Spirometry Records (2019-09-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1153(h) Medical surveillance 26 citations
- 1926.1153(h)(1) General 24 citations
- 1926.1153(h)(1)(i) 23 citations
- 1926.1153(h)(2) Initial examination 2 citations
- 1926.1153(h)(2)(iv)
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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
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.