OSHA extends enforcement delay on Confined Spaces in Construction Standard

Washington – Full enforcement of OSHA’s new Confined Spaces in Construction Standard is being delayed again.

Before the standard went into effect Aug. 3, OSHA announced it would delay full enforcement until Oct. 2 for the entire construction industry.

However, in a policy memorandum issued Oct. 1, the agency states it will delay full enforcement for residential construction until Jan. 8. Under the temporary policy, OSHA will not issue citations to employers engaged in residential construction work who are making “good faith efforts” to comply with the new rule.

Full enforcement of the standard for non-residential construction employers is in effect.

OSHA originally delayed full enforcement for the entire industry in response to employer requests for additional time to train and acquire necessary equipment. The agency did not provide a reason for the most recent delay.