Silica Dust Exposure Drives Enforcement and Mitigation Actions Across States

U.S. regulators are ramping up enforcement and prevention strategies to combat the health risks associated with silica dust exposure in industries such as stone-cutting and countertop fabrication. Silica, a fine dust often generated by these tasks, can lead to accelerated cases of silicosis, an incurable lung disease. This increased scrutiny follows a series of hefty fines, including a $1 million penalty against a Chicago countertop manufacturer and a $320,000 fine for a marble and granite company in Washington state.

In California, the Department of Industrial Relations and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara are spearheading efforts to study silica dust exposure within the state’s workers’ compensation system. Silicosis-related workers’ compensation claims remain rare, accounting for only 0.001% of all claims in the state from 2018 to 2023. However, the rise in cases has prompted enhanced regulations and awareness campaigns, especially targeting industries that involve grinding, drilling, and cutting engineered stone.

Federal OSHA also launched an initiative to prioritize inspections in sectors with high silica exposure risks, aiming to reduce these preventable diseases. With the cost of treating silicosis high, including expensive respiratory medications not typically found in workers’ comp formularies, experts emphasize the need for continued vigilance and regulation to protect workers.