California Silica Safety Poster for Construction

Silica Safety Posters are workplace signs that educate employees about OSHA silica standards and the dangers of respirable crystalline silica dust. Prolonged exposure to silica powder can lead to health risks such as lung cancer, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Keep up with Cal. OSHA silica standards by posting these posters around work sites for your employees to see.

California Cal/OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard: Key Employer Requirements

The California Safety and Health Fact Sheet outlines employer responsibilities under Cal/OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction (8 CCR §1532.3). Under this silica standard, employers must ensure that employee exposure does not exceed the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 μg/m³), averaged over an 8-hour work shift.

Activities With High Silica Exposure Risk

Some workplace activities release fine crystalline silica dust, which can be inhaled and pose serious health risks if proper safety controls aren’t used. Be sure to take precautions if you or a nearby team member are doing any of the following:

• Cutting, sawing, grinding, crushing, or drilling into stone.
• Loading or transporting sand, gravel, or stone.
• Sandblasting or abrasive blasting surfaces containing silica.
• Mining operations that disturb silica-containing rock.
• Working in glass or ceramic manufacturing zones.
• Demolition or renovation of structures that contain concrete, mortar, or brick.

What Employers Must Do to Comply with Cal/OSHA’s Silica Standard

To remain compliant with California silica regulations, construction employers are required to:

• Conduct exposure assessments to measure and document worker silica dust levels.
• Implement engineering controls (such as water delivery systems or ventilation) and safe work practices to reduce silica exposure.
• Provide respiratory protection when engineering and work practice controls cannot reduce exposures below the PEL.
• Develop and maintain a written exposure control plan specific to jobsite conditions.
• Train employees on silica hazards, exposure risks, and protective measures.
• Offer medical surveillance to employees exposed at or above the action level of 25 μg/m³ for 30 or more days per year.
• Maintain records of exposure assessments, objective data, and medical surveillance results.

Why Compliance Matters

By following these Cal/OSHA requirements, employers can protect workers from the long-term health risks of respirable crystalline silica exposure while avoiding costly violations and penalties.

For more information on silica safety in construction, visit Cal/OSHA’s official resources or consult your compliance provider.