California Adopts Permanent Silica Safety Standard for Artificial Stone Workers
California has adopted a permanent standard to protect workers from silica dust exposure, addressing the risks of silicosis and enhancing enforcement measures.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jan 01, 2025
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has unanimously approved a permanent standard to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
According to a recent release, the decision builds on emergency regulations enacted in December 2023. This move aims to safeguard employees in industries such as countertop fabrication, where artificial stone and natural stone containing over 10 percent crystalline silica are commonly used.
Since 2019, over 230 workers in California have developed silicosis, an incurable, progressive disease caused by exposure to silica dust. Fourteen related deaths have been reported, according to the California Department of Public Health. The new standard enhances safety measures, monitoring and reporting requirements to address the risks associated with RCS exposure while strengthening enforcement capabilities.
Over the past year, Cal/OSHA conducted 85 silica-related inspections, issuing citations in 95 percent of completed cases. Of these, 53 out of 56 inspections resulted in violations, and 26 percent of inspected shops received Orders Prohibiting Use (OPUs), temporarily halting hazardous equipment or processes until compliance was achieved.
Additionally, the Standards Board approved the formation of an advisory committee to explore further protective measures against silica dust exposure. The Standards Board’s objective is “to adopt reasonable reasonable and enforceable standards that are at least as effective as federal standards” as well as to respond to applications for variances from adopted standards and petitions for new or revised standards.
The proposal now awaits review by the Office of Administrative Law, which has 30 working days to either approve or deny it.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.