42 U.S.C. § 4853
Worker protection (THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (42 U.S.C.))
Operative Text
Not later than 180 days after , the Secretary of Labor shall issue an interim final regulation regulating occupational exposure to lead in the construction industry. Such interim final regulation shall provide employment and places of employment to employees which are as safe and healthful as those which would prevail under the Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines published at Federal Register 55, page 38973 () (Revised Chapter 8). Such interim final regulations shall take effect upon issuance (except that such regulations may include a reasonable delay in the effective date), shall have the legal effect of an Occupational Safety and Health Standard, and shall apply until a final standard becomes effective under .
Under 42 U.S.C. § 4853, the Secretary of Labor was directed to issue an interim final regulation—within 180 days—governing how much lead exposure workers in the construction industry may safely encounter on the job. This interim rule was required to meet at least the safety and health benchmarks established by HUD guidelines (Federal Register 55, page 38973, Revised Chapter 8) and was to carry the full legal force of an Occupational Safety and Health Standard upon taking effect. It was designed to remain in place until a permanent final standard was adopted through the standard rulemaking process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing construction or renovation work—particularly in older buildings where lead-based paint may be present—should be aware that 42 U.S.C. § 4853 established binding occupational safety requirements for lead exposure in construction settings. Compliant operators generally ensure that any contractors or workers they engage are operating under work practices that meet or exceed the occupational lead exposure standards stemming from this provision. Maintaining documentation of contractor compliance and verifying that work scopes address lead hazards are practices commonly associated with responsible property management under this framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants, 42 U.S.C. § 4853 is relevant because it establishes worker protections that apply when construction or renovation activities involving lead hazards occur in or around residential buildings. If work is being performed in your building, the workers conducting that work are entitled to protections under the occupational lead standards this provision put in place, which can also bear on how safely the work is conducted near residents. Tenants who have concerns about lead-related construction work in their building may find it useful to contact their local health department, a tenant-rights organization, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to understand what protections apply.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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