December 20, 2024 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com – The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has unanimously voted to adopt a permanent standard on silica hazards, prioritizing worker safety in industries prone to silica exposure, particularly those working with artificial stone.
Protecting Workers from Silica Hazards
This decision underscores the urgent need to safeguard workers who fabricate countertops and other products made from artificial and natural stone containing more than 10% crystalline silica. Without appropriate protection and procedures, exposure to silica dust significantly increases the risk of silicosis, an incurable and progressive disease causing severe and often fatal health effects.
Strengthening the Emergency Regulation
The newly approved Permanent Standard on Silica Hazards builds upon the emergency regulation enacted on December 29, 2023. These updated measures enhance worker safety by improving monitoring processes, establishing stricter reporting requirements, and mandating critical safety provisions.
Alarming Data on Silica Exposure
Since 2019, over 230 California workers have been diagnosed with silicosis, and 14 have died from the disease, according to the California Department of Public Health. Additionally, in the past year alone, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) conducted 85 silica-related inspections. Notably, 26% of inspected shops received Orders Prohibiting Use (OPUs), temporarily shutting down unsafe equipment or processes. Furthermore, citations were issued in 95% of closed inspections, with 53 out of 56 inspections confirming violations.
Exploring Additional Protections
The Standards Board has also committed to creating an advisory committee tasked with investigating further measures to shield workers from silica dust exposure. This initiative highlights the ongoing dedication to improving workplace safety standards.
The Approval Process and Standards Board’s Role
The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) now has 30 working days to review and decide on the proposal. Once approved, this permanent standard will provide comprehensive protections for California workers.
As the standards-setting body within the Cal/OSHA program, the seven-member Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board adopts enforceable regulations that meet or exceed federal standards. It also grants or denies variances and considers petitions for new or revised workplace safety standards.
For more details, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
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FAQs: About Silica Hazards in California
What are silica hazards in the workplace?
Silica hazards arise from inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust, common in industries such as countertop fabrication and construction, leading to silicosis and lung disease.
Why did the California Standards Board adopt a permanent silica hazards rule?
Following an increase in silicosis cases, the Standards Board in Sacramento, CA, approved the permanent rule to improve monitoring, training, and worker protections statewide.
How does the new silica hazards standard improve worker safety?
The standard mandates stricter exposure controls, medical surveillance, and protective equipment requirements for workers handling materials with high silica content.
When will the permanent silica hazards standard take effect?
After review by the Office of Administrative Law, the rule will take effect statewide, marking a major step forward in CalOSHA’s silica safety enforcement program.