1926.1153(g): Written Silica Exposure Control Plan
Employers must write and follow a silica exposure control plan describing tasks that expose workers to respirable crystalline silica, the controls and respirators used, housekeeping, and how access to work areas is limited. The plan must be reviewed at least yearly, available to workers on request, and carried out by a competent person who inspects job sites regularly.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1153(g) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Z).
- OSHA cited it 703 times in the last 3 years, in 635 inspections, with $575,152 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (144), IL (101), CT (47).
- Related part: 1926.1153(g)(1) (625 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1153(g) ("Written exposure control plan") 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
(g) Written exposure control plan. 703 citations
(1) The employer shall establish and implement a written exposure control plan that contains at least the following elements: Open (g)(1) 625 citations
(i) A description of the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica; Open (g)(1)(i) 12 citations
(ii) A description of the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica for each task; Open (g)(1)(ii) 15 citations
(iii) A description of the housekeeping measures used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica; and 5 citations
(iv) A description of the procedures used to restrict access to work areas, when necessary, to minimize the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica and their level of exposure, including exposures generated by other employers or sole proprietors. Open (g)(1)(iv) 10 citations
(2) The employer shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of the written exposure control plan at least annually and update it as necessary. 9 citations
(3) The employer shall make the written exposure control plan readily available for examination and copying, upon request, to each employee covered by this section, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director. 7 citations
(4) The employer shall designate a competent person to make frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment to implement the written exposure control plan. Open (g)(4) 62 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1153.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1153(g).
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 | 55 |
| 2024 | 262 |
| 2025 | 225 |
| 2026 | 161 |
Top states: MI (144), IL (101), CT (47), MD (46), VA (40)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JAMES O'BRIEN & CO. | WINNETKA, IL | $11,292 |
| SIR LINES-A-LOT, LLC | MADISON, WI | $8,816 |
| COW-BAY SPRINKLER CORP. | MOHEGAN LAKE, NY | $8,067 |
| COMPLETE RESTORATION & WATERPROOFING INC. | LEXINGTON, MA | $8,000 |
| NABHOLZ CONSTRUCTION CO. | RICHMOND, VA | $7,707 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1153(g), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1153(g).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1153(g)(1) 625 citations
- 1926.1153(g)(4) 62 citations
- 1926.1153(g)(1)(ii) 15 citations
- 1926.1153(g)(1)(i) 12 citations
- 1926.1153(g)(1)(iv) 10 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must the silica plan include?
Tasks with silica exposure, engineering controls, work practices and respirators for each task, housekeeping measures, and procedures to restrict access.
How often must the plan be reviewed?
At least annually, and updated as necessary.
Who carries out the plan on site?
A competent person designated by the employer, who makes frequent and regular inspections.
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 2026-10-19
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.