OSHA Creates Enforcement Initiatives to Protect Engineered Stone Workers
October 3, 2023
California, and several other states, are experiencing an epidemic of advanced silicosis, progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), accelerated silicosis, acute silicosis, and/or pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, among fabricators, cutters, polishers, and installers of engineered stone countertops.
Silica is an abundant mineral found in materials including sand, stone, and concrete. Artificial stone countertops, also known as engineered stone or manufactured stone, are popular due to their affordability and versatility. They contain up to 95% of tiny, fine, pulverized, crushed crystalline silica fibers. Popular manufacturers include Ceaserstone, Cosentino, Mohawk, and many others. While cutting, grinding, drilling, or polishing the artificial stone slabs, workers are exposed to visible and invisible clouds of airborne silica dust, which cause scarring of the lungs, known as silicosis.
Silicosis is a severe, incurable lung disease that is often fatal. The only effective treatment is a lung transplant.
If you or a family member have worked as a fabricator, cutter, polisher, or installer of artificial stone countertops, and have been diagnosed with any type of silicosis, please contact the attorneys at Brayton Purcell LLP for a free consultation.
