1926.1127(d)(2): Cadmium Exposure Monitoring in Construction
Where the initial determination shows possible cadmium exposure at or above the action level, construction employers must monitor representative exposure for each employee who is or may be exposed at that level as soon as practicable, including during tasks that may cause higher exposure. Objective data may replace initial monitoring if it shows exposure will not reach the action level, and a written record is required when an employee is found not exposed at or above the action level.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1127(d)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (12).
- Related part: 1926.1127(d) Exposure Monitoring (26 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1127(d)(2) ("Specific") is one requirement inside 1926.1127 Cadmium, 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
(2) Specific. 12 citations
(i) Initial monitoring. Except as provided for in paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section, where a determination conducted under paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section shows the possibility of employee exposure to cadmium at or above the action level, the employer shall conduct exposure monitoring as soon as practicable that is representative of the exposure for each employee in the workplace who is or may be exposed to cadmium at or above the action level. Open (d)(2)(i) 12 citations
(ii) In addition, if the employee periodically performs tasks that may expose the employee to a higher concentration of airborne cadmium, the employee shall be monitored while performing those tasks.
(iii) Where the employer has objective data, as defined in paragraph (n)(2) of this section, demonstrating that employee exposure to cadmium will not exceed airborne concentrations at or above the action level under the expected conditions of processing, use, or handling, the employer may rely upon such data instead of implementing initial monitoring.
(iv) Where a determination conducted under paragraphs (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section is made that a potentially exposed employee is not exposed to airborne concentrations of cadmium at or above the action level, the employer shall make a written record of such determination. The record shall include at least the monitoring data developed under paragraphs (d)(2)(i)-(iii) of this section, where applicable, and shall also include the date of determination, and the name of each employee.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1127.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MI (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SEAWAY PAINTING LLC | RUDYARD, MI | $0 |
| ROCK RIVER TOWNSHIP | CHATHAM, MI | $0 |
| NEXT GENERATION CONSTRUCTION, LLC | LANSING, MI | $0 |
| HANDY EXCAVATING LLC | JACKSON, MI | $0 |
| CRIPPS FONTAINE EXCAVATING, INC. | KALAMAZOO, MI | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1127(d)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1127(d)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1127(d) Exposure Monitoring 26 citations
- 1926.1127(d)(1) General 14 citations
- 1926.1127(d)(1)(i) 13 citations
- 1926.1127(d)(2)(i) 12 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When is cadmium monitoring required?
When the initial determination shows the possibility of exposure at or above the action level.
Can objective data replace monitoring?
Yes, where it shows exposure will not exceed airborne concentrations at or above the action level under expected conditions.
What must a no-exposure record include?
At least the monitoring data, the date of determination and the name of each employee.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1127 (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 2026-10-19
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.