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Silica Safety for Countertop Fabrication Employers

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Silica Safety for Countertop Fabrication Employers

Silicosis can be prevented by reducing or eliminating exposure to silica dust. If you own or run a countertop fabrication business, you are required to take steps to keep your employees safe.

In December 2023, Cal/OSHA adopted new standards to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Silica: Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) fact sheet (PDF)
A guide for employers from CDPH

Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard – Information for Employers (PDF)
Requirements for employers under the ETS, from Cal/OSHA

Safety Resources to Help Prevent Silica Exposures

Workplace Air Monitoring for Silica during Engineered Stone (Quartz) Fabrication Work: Guide for California Employers (PDF, 8.6MB)
Get started with silica air monitoring required under Cal/OSHA ETS.

Cal/OSHA - Additional Resources for Employers

For help measuring silica exposure or complying with the Cal/OSHA silica standards:

Find an industrial hygienist through a searchable list of consultants provided by the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
Contact your worker’s compensation insurance company.
Call Cal/OSHA Consultation at (800) 963-9424 for a free, confidential visit | Find a local office.
Find a California health care provider who can perform required silica medical exams by using a
database from the Western Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association.