Recent OSHA Activity in the Stone Industry
An article by B&W Compliance CEO, Dolan Williams:
In a stark reminder of the serious health risks associated with silica dust exposure, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently imposed a million-dollar fine on Florenza Marble & Granite Corp. This hefty penalty underscores OSHA’s commitment to enforcing safety standards and protecting workers from the debilitating lung disease silicosis.
Meanwhile in California, the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has cited nine employers for a range of safety violations related to silica exposure. The businesses, primarily involved in marble and tile work, were collectively fined over $168,000.
Silica: A Persistent Workplace Threat
Silica dust, a byproduct of cutting, grinding, or drilling materials like engineered stone, concrete, and brick, is a known carcinogen. When inhaled, these tiny particles can lodge deep in the lungs, causing scarring and inflammation that can lead to silicosis, an incurable and potentially fatal lung disease.
The CDC estimates life expectancy for workers with silicosis to be reduced by 11 years, and the odds of surviving 15 years beyond a lung transplant are 11%.
The High Cost of Non-Compliance
The million-dollar OSHA fine and the Cal/OSHA citations serve as a reminder that workplace safety is not negotiable. Employers have a legal and moral obligation to protect their workers from preventable hazards like silica dust. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences for employees’ health and businesses’ financial well-being.
While the fines are severe, this only touches the cost of a silicosis case, with the average direct and indirect cost for employers per case totaling over $629,000 based on the information from the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. The cost does not end there, though. In addition to the potential of fines, workers’ compensation, etc., the price in terms of life is immeasurable.
Protecting Workers: A Shared Responsibility
The recent enforcement actions by OSHA and Cal/OSHA send a clear message: Protecting workers from silica exposure is a top priority. Employers must take proactive steps to identify and control silica hazards in the workplace. This includes implementing adequate engineering controls, providing respiratory protection, medical surveillance, and offering comprehensive training to employees.
What We Are Doing About It
B and W Compliance Inc. works with stone fabrication shops and contractors to implement effective Silica Control programs. Our full-service company handles all needs from Hazard Analysis, Air Sampling and Respirator Fit testing to implementing engineering and administrative controls; in order to reduce exposure. In some cases, we have reduced employee exposure well below the action level of 25 µg/m 3.
We have worked with Cal/OSHA in partnership programs to assist employers in compliance and take care of serious violations that otherwise would have resulted in enforcement actions.
If you need assistance with your Silica Control Program or any aspect of safety and health in your shop or construction company, please reach out to us. Even if we are not the right fit for your needs, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are always happy to help protect workers and small businesses.
