ConDig (7-Apr-17). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has delayed the implementation of the crystalline silica standard for the construction industry by three months.

The rule was due to come into effect on June 23 but will now start September 23.

OSHA said the delay comes as “additional guidance is necessary due to the unique nature of the requirements in the construction standard”.

The agency added that construction employers are still expected to take steps to ensure they are compliant with the new standard by the new enforcement date.

Under the rule, companies must reduce the allowed exposure to silica dust from the current limit of 250 micrograms per cubic meter over an eight-hour period to 50 micrograms.

Leaders of the construction industry have largely opposed plans to introduce the new rule since it was first proposed in 2013, which was the first change in silica exposure standards since 1970.