Worker Exposure to Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing and Installation

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) summarize a joint Hazard Alert describing potential U.S. worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the stone countertop industry. This cobranded document follows reports from other countries of silicosis among stone countertop workers. In at least some silicosis cases from Spain and Israel, workers were overexposed to silica dust in shops operating without dust suppression, and without respiratory protection. In the United States, this industry has worked to implement dust controls to protect workers against the dangers of silica exposure. However, certain studies and OSHA inspections indicate that exposure levels may not be adequately controlled in some U.S. stone countertop fabrication worksites. This session will focus on countertop industry worker exposures to airborne silica dust. Presenters will discuss health effects of overexposure to silica dust in this industry and recent studies describing exposure to excessive levels of silica dust in U.S. and international countertop workers. The presentation will address ways to protect workers from silica exposure during countertop work, including best practices for implementing engineering controls, modifying work practices, and using respiratory protection. The session will also describe how OSHA, NIOSH, and industry partners can help employers effectively reduce silica dust exposures.