Silica Archives - Safety+Health Magazine

California moves toward ban on artificial stone countertop fabrication

S+H Staff — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:42:30 +0000

Los Angeles — The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board on May 21 unanimously granted a petition that could ultimately lead to a ban on fabricating and installing artificial stone products with more than 1% crystalline silica. The Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association formally petitioned the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health […]

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Miners’ lawyer pushes for MSHA silica rule during House hearing

Kevin Druley — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:15:40 +0000

Fort Branch, IN — An attorney who represents workers is challenging lawmakers to urge the Mine Safety and Health Administration to restore its final rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica. West Virginia-based attorney Sam Petsonk testified during a May 8 House Education and Workforce Committee field hearing at Vincennes University on the future […]

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MSHA silica rule on hold ‘indefinitely,’ agency says

S+H Staff — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:05:44 +0000

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has delayed “indefinitely” the deadline for metal and nonmetal mine operators to comply with its final rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Citing ongoing litigation challenging the rule, the agency on April 6 announced the latest postponement, which affects workers who mine metal, nonmetal, stone, […]

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OSHA and NIOSH update alert on silica and countertop workers

S+H Staff — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:03:00 +0000

Washington — OSHA and NIOSH have released an updated version of their joint hazard alert on respirable crystalline silica exposure in countertop manufacturing, finishing and installation. Respirable crystalline silica exposure can lead to scarring and inflammation in the lungs, and result in incurable (and often fatal) silicosis, among other health problems. The alert includes a […]

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Construction safety group launches silica awareness campaign

S+H Staff — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:04:57 +0000

Nova Scotia, Canada — Construction Safety Nova Scotia is using humor to address a serious workplace safety topic: the dangers of respirable crystalline silica. The Canadian safety group has launched an awareness campaign that features The Lungsquatters, dangerous particles (played by actors in costume) that move into the lungs of an unsuspecting worker who has […]

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Massachusetts issues health alert for stone countertop fabrication workers

S+H Staff — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:01:44 +0000

Boston — Massachusetts’ first documented case of silicosis in a stone countertop fabrication worker has spurred the state’s Department of Public Health to urge employers in the industry to protect workers from silica dust exposure. Silicosis is a severe and incurable – but preventable – lung disease caused by breathing in respirable crystalline silica. Processes […]

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Study finds construction workers have a higher risk of dying from COPD

S+H Staff — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:25:52 +0000

Washington — Construction workers are 30% more likely than workers in other industries to die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, results of a recent study show. COPD is a progressive and incurable lung disease that results in swelling inside the airways, limiting airflow into and out of the lungs. Symptoms include coughing and mucus production, breathing […]

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MSHA head stays silent on silica rule during House hearing

Kevin Druley — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:03:03 +0000

Washington — Although Mine Safety and Health Administration head Wayne Palmer aspires to be as “visible, engaged and responsive as possible with the industry (and) stakeholders,” one topic remains temporarily off-limits. During a Jan. 22 hearing of the House Education and Workforce Committee’s Workforce Protections Subcommittee, lawmakers referenced multiple times an MSHA final rule on miner […]

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Now in effect: California’s new silicosis prevention law

S+H Staff — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Sacramento, CA — A new California law aimed at curbing cases of silicosis among workers who cut, grind, polish and drill stone countertops is now in effect.

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MSHA to ‘reconsider’ rule on protecting miners from silica exposure

S+H Staff — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration will “engage in limited rulemaking to reconsider” portions of a final rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica that’s being challenged in ongoing litigation.

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