1926.1153(i)(2): Silica Training in Construction
Construction employers must make sure each employee covered by the silica standard can show knowledge of silica health hazards, tasks that can cause exposure, the controls, work practices and respirators in use, the contents of the standard, the identity of the competent person, and the purpose of medical surveillance. A free copy of the section must be readily available to each covered employee.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1153(i)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 330 times in the last 3 years, in 313 inspections, with $197,283 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (44), CT (38), IL (29).
- 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)(2) ("Employee information and training") 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
(2) Employee information and training. 330 citations
(i) The employer shall ensure that each employee covered by this section can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the following: Open (i)(2)(i) 322 citations
(A) The health hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica; Open (i)(2)(i)(a) 22 citations
(B) Specific tasks in the workplace that could result in exposure to respirable crystalline silica; 5 citations
(C) Specific measures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to respirable crystalline silica, including engineering controls, work practices, and respirators to be used; Open (i)(2)(i)(c) 11 citations
(D) The contents of this section; 5 citations
(E) The identity of the competent person designated by the employer in accordance with paragraph (g)(4) of this section; and 2 citations
(F) The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by paragraph (h) of this section. Open (i)(2)(i)(f)
(ii) The employer shall make a copy of this section readily available without cost to each employee covered by this section. 8 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1153.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 129 |
| 2025 | 98 |
| 2026 | 83 |
Top states: MI (44), CT (38), IL (29), KY (25), OH (24)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | ROANOKE, VA | $8,260 |
| COW-BAY SPRINKLER CORP. | MOHEGAN LAKE, NY | $8,067 |
| HOSKINSON CONTRACTING | GILLETTE, WY | $6,641 |
| 155494 - CAROLINA CONDUIT SYSTEMS, INC. | ASHEVILLE, NC | $6,540 |
| 68958 - PENSKE TRUCK LEASING CO LP OF KENTUCKY | ERLANGER, KY | $6,300 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1153(i)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Medical surveillance requirements in OSHA’s respirable crystalline silica standard for construction (2018-02-02)
- Interim Enforcement Guidance for the Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction Standard, 29 CFR 1926.1153 (2017-10-19)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1153(i) Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees 506 citations
- 1926.1153(i)(2)(i) 322 citations
- 1926.1153(i)(1) Hazard communication 176 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
What must workers know about silica?
Health hazards, tasks that can cause exposure, protective measures, the contents of the section, the competent person's identity, and the medical surveillance program.
Must workers know who the competent person is?
Yes. Training must cover the identity of the competent person designated by the employer.
Is a copy of the standard provided?
Yes. A copy must be readily available without cost to each covered employee.
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.