Within the surfacing industry, silicosis, an occupational disease that stems from consistent and continuous exposure to silica dust over a prolonged period of time (years), is a critical topic driving an industry-wide response. Silica-based products, such as quartz, granite, slate, sandstone, and other building materials, release silica dust when cut, ground, or polished. The uptick in conversation stems from the rise of silicosis court cases across California. However, in May, a jury in Torrance, CA ruled that silica-based countertops are safe and attributed silicosis to improper handling of the material within the workplace. This ruling is notable, as it reinforces that it is possible to safely work with silica-containing products when proper safety measures are implemented within the workplace.
Clear Standards for Fabricators
To ensure fabricators are enforcing safety measures in the workplace, the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) is leading an industry-wide effort to require fabrication shops to adhere to strict safety and health measures outlined by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These clear standards for fabricators protect employees from silica dust exposure. They include: proper employee training, wet working methods (not dry-cutting), local exhaust ventilation and extraction systems, air quality measurement and filtration systems, proper housekeeping, the use of personal protection equipment (including, as necessary, respirators), and medical surveillance programs.
NSI’s CEO Jim Hieb added, “When the new OSHA standard became enforceable with much lower exposure levels for silica, the NSI created a Silica & Slab Safety Certificate training program to help industry workers and business owners better understand the ‘how’ to determine their risks and best practices to keep workers safe. I urge all NKBA members to utilize fabricators who have completed the safety certificate and/or achieved the coveted NSI-accredited fabricator credential. You (the kitchen & bath community) play a vital role in advocating for employee safety.”
Manufacturer-Led Awareness, Education & Product Innovation
Additionally, stone manufacturers have robust programs in place to support education about the safe handling of surfacing products. For example, brands use proven practices such as labeling and warnings on the product, in promotional materials, and product safety data sheets with information on silica content, risks, and safety and health measures. They also offer good practice guides and dedicated programs for online learning, seminars, and websites for fabricators, focusing on health and safety, machinery maintenance, and creating a safe work environment.
Several surfacing manufacturers have also developed low and zero-silica collections. These introductions stem from years of research and development to create products that help fabricators control silica dust exposure at their workplaces. However, the proper PPE is still required with these products.
Legislation Paving the Way for Change
Specifically in California, stone manufacturers have also taken steps to support legislation aimed at implementing a certification program to ensure fabricators of stone products comply with health and safety regulations that protect workers from exposure to silica dust. In 2023, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved the “Silicosis Prevention Education” motion, which invested $500,000 in intervention outreach and education through the nonprofits Pacoima Beautiful and the Institute of Popular Education of Southern California (IDEPSCA). In 2024, stone manufacturers collaborated with California public health and occupational safety officials on a permanent standard through Cal/OSHA that improves worker safety education, training, and awareness and facilitates the enforcement of OSHA regulations.
Another significant milestone in December 2024 was the introduction of legislative bill SB-20 by Senator Caroline Menjivar, which takes a proactive, solutions-oriented approach by requiring mandatory wet fabrication, required certification, and training, and a structured regulatory and enforcement framework. SB-20 could help ensure that slabs are only supplied to certified fabrication shops, closing a loophole that has allowed unregulated and unsafe operations to persist. This is a vital step in holding all players—from designers and suppliers to shop owners—to the same high standards. As of June 2025, SB-20 has passed the Senate and has now been received in the CA Assembly, where it currently awaits committee assignment and review.
For more information, visit the Natural Stone Institute website at https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica.
