OSHA and NIOSH issue hazard alert to protect workers from silica exposure during countertop manufacture and installation

 

OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have jointly issued a hazard alert (PDF*) about protecting workers from significant crystalline silica exposure during manufacturing, finishing, and installing natural and manufactured stone countertops.

Workers who inhale very small crystalline silica particles are at risk for silicosis – an incurable, progressively disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease. Symptoms of silicosis can include shortness of breath, cough and fatigue, and may or may not be obviously attributable to silica. Workers exposed to airborne crystalline silica also are at increased risk for lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease.

OSHA and NIOSH have identified exposure to silica as a health hazard to workers involved in stone countertop operations, both in fabrication shops and during in-home finishing/installation. The alert explains how this hazard can be mitigated with simple and effective dust controls. See the news release for more information.