1926.1153(i)(1): Silica in the Hazard Communication Program
Construction employers must include respirable crystalline silica in their hazard communication program, give each employee access to silica container labels and safety data sheets, and train employees under the HCS and this section. The program must address at least cancer, lung effects, immune system effects and kidney effects.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1153(i)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 176 times in the last 3 years, in 176 inspections, with $129,831 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (28), NY (23), KY (14).
- Related part: 1926.1153(i) Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees (506 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1153(i)(1) ("Hazard communication") 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
(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 (i)(2) of this section. The employer shall ensure that at least the following hazards are addressed: Cancer, lung effects, immune system effects, and kidney effects. 176 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1153.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1153(i)(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 | 15 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2026 | 41 |
Top states: IL (28), NY (23), KY (14), VA (13), WI (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PHOENIX COATINGS, INC. | MOBILE, AL | $11,585 |
| UNLIMITED CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS | BIXBY, OK | $9,931 |
| ERIE CONSTRUCTION MID-WEST, LLC | NEENAH, WI | $9,218 |
| US TANK PAINTING, INC. | BAYVILLE, NJ | $8,750 |
| FIRST GROUP AMERICA | AUBURN, NY | $5,022 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1153(i)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1153(i)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1153(i) Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees 506 citations
- 1926.1153(i)(2) Employee information and training 330 citations
- 1926.1153(i)(2)(i) 322 citations
- 1926.1153(i)(2)(i)(A) 22 citations
- 1926.1153(i)(2)(i)(C) 11 citations
- 1926.1153(i)(2)(i)(F)
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
Must silica be part of the HazCom program?
Yes. Employers must include respirable crystalline silica in the program established under 29 CFR 1910.1200.
Which silica hazards must be covered?
At least cancer, lung effects, immune system effects and kidney effects.
Do workers need access to silica SDSs?
Yes. Each employee must have access to labels on containers of crystalline silica and safety data sheets.
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.