Silica exposure controls usage in masonry and concrete trades: before and after enactment of the OSHA Silica Construction Rule (1926.1153).

This article examines the impact of the 2017 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Construction Industry Respirable Crystalline Silica rule (1926.1153) on the use of dust control methods among masonry and concrete contractors in the United States. Based on telephone surveys conducted in 2014 and 2021 with members of three trade associations, the study found significant increases in the reported use of specified silica dust mitigation strategies, particularly for handheld saw dust capture, fiber-cement saw dust capture, handheld grinder dust capture, and impact/rotary hammer drill dust capture. The findings suggest that the OSHA rule has effectively influenced industry practices, although barriers such as cost, productivity concerns, and availability of certain control methods remain. Open-ended responses indicated increased awareness of silica hazards and dust control options since the rule's implementation, highlighting the role of regulatory outreach and training in promoting safer work environments.