This past Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) further extended the comment period for its proposal to overhaul the current permissible exposure limits (PELs) for "respirable" crystalline silica. Previously scheduled for Monday, January 27, comments are now due in 15 days on Tuesday, February 11. OSHA has not however, changed its public hearings start date of Tuesday, March 18. 

Click here to view OSHA’s extension notice. Click here to view the corresponding Federal Register notice. Click here to view the ready mixed concrete industry’s issue fact sheet. Click here to download template comments. The proposed rule, factsheets, frequently asked questions and comment submission information can be found at www.osha.gov/silica/.