1910.1053(j): Silica Hazard Communication and Training
Employers must include respirable crystalline silica in their hazard communication program, give employees access to labels and safety data sheets, and address cancer, lung, immune system and kidney effects. They must post the required danger signs at all regulated area entrances, make sure each covered employee can show they understand silica hazards, tasks, protective measures, the standard and medical surveillance, and provide a free copy of the section.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1053(j) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 412 times in the last 3 years, in 313 inspections, with $389,332 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PA (43), IL (42), TN (41).
- Related part: 1910.1053(j)(1) Hazard communication (197 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1053(j) ("Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees") is one requirement inside 1910.1053 Respirable crystalline silica, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 10 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
(j) Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees — 412 citations
(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 (j)(3) of this section. The employer shall ensure that at least the following hazards are addressed: Cancer, lung effects, immune system effects, and kidney effects. Open (j)(1) 197 citations
(2) Signs. The employer shall post signs at all entrances to regulated areas that bear the following legend: Open (j)(2) 31 citations
DANGER
RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA
MAY CAUSE CANCER
CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS
WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THIS AREA
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
(3) Employee information and training. Open (j)(3) 184 citations
(i) The employer shall ensure that each employee covered by this section can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the following: Open (j)(3)(i) 165 citations
(A) The health hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica; 9 citations
(B) Specific tasks in the workplace that could result in exposure to respirable crystalline silica; 3 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;
(D) The contents of this section; and 1 citations
(E) The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by paragraph (i) of this section. 1 citations
(ii) The employer shall make a copy of this section readily available without cost to each employee covered by this section. Open (j)(3)(ii) 19 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1053(j).
At 1:08 p.m. on March 20, 2024, an employee died of silicosis from occupational exposure.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 198 |
| 2025 | 139 |
| 2026 | 60 |
Top states: PA (43), IL (42), TN (41), NY (33), MI (30)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 157837 - RESCO PRODUCTS, INC. | GREENSBORO, NC | $12,500 |
| PRETECH CORPORATION | KANSAS CITY, KS | $11,918 |
| T. BROTHERS TILE L.L.C. | LAS VEGAS, NV | $10,163 |
| ALUDYNE COLUMBUS, LLC | COLUMBUS, GA | $9,680 |
| TOP SHELF MANUFACTURING INC. | WARREN, OH | $9,268 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1053(j), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1053(j).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1053(j)(1) Hazard communication 197 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(3) Employee information and training 184 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(3)(i) 165 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(2) Signs 31 citations
- 1910.1053(j)(3)(ii) 19 citations
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 health hazards must silica training address?
At least cancer, lung effects, immune system effects and kidney effects.
Where must silica warning signs be posted?
At all entrances to regulated areas, with the legend required by the rule.
Do employees get a copy of the silica standard?
Yes. The employer must make a copy of the section readily available without cost to each covered employee.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1053 (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 2026-10-22
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.