Protecting Workers from Silica Hazards in the Workplace Video

The ongoing concerns about respirable crystalline silica in the industry have been making headlines again recently with the engineered stone ban in Australia and the introduction of several low-silica or silica-free products.

This video produced by the Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting workers from the variety of harmful effects respirable crystalline silica can cause.

NSI Introduces Updated Silica & Slab Safety Certificate

The Natural Stone Institute has introduced the newly-updated Silica & Slab Safety Certificate. This online certificate consists of seventeen courses focused on preventing silicosis, safe slab handling, and creating a safety program. The updated certificate can be completed in 4-6 hours. The certificate includes videos, course readings, and tests. Videos … Read more

OSHA Launches New Silica Enforcement Initiative

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a new initiative focused on enhancing enforcement and providing compliance assistance to protect workers in the engineered stone fabrication and installation industries. “Many workers in the engineering stone industry are experiencing illnesses so severe … Read more

Breton Presents Silica-free BioQuartz

Breathing in fine crystalline-silica dust during dry fabrication of quartz slabs has been an ongoing concern in the surfacing industry. Breton has developed an innovative solution to the silica problem. Breton Bioquartz® is an industrial quartz produced by a pyrolytic transformation of siliceous and feldspar natural sands or even residues … Read more

Health & Safety Watch: LATICRETE Launches ProjectSafety™ Campaign

LATICRETE, a manufacturer of construction solutions for the building industry, has launched the ProjectSafety™ campaign, a company-wide initiative that provides access to safety education and alternative installation techniques to help lower the staggering injury and ailment statistics associated with the construction industry. This industry’s workforce handles tasks that range from … Read more

OSHA Issues Guidance to Ensure Uniform Enforcement of Silica Standards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued a compliance directive designed to ensure uniformity in inspection and enforcement procedures when addressing respirable crystalline silica exposures in general industry, maritime, and construction. The new directive provides OSHA compliance safety and health officers with guidance on how to … Read more

Caesarstone Introduces Master of Stone Program

Caesarstone, manufacturer of quartz surfaces, has taken the lead on safety standards for the industry with the launch of MASTER OF STONE. The extensive program was created for fabricators and their employees and it focuses on issues of health and safety in the workplace with a special emphasis on creating … Read more

OSHA Revises National Emphasis Program to Reduce or Eliminate Worker Exposure to Silica

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a revised National Emphasis Program (NEP) to identify and reduce or eliminate worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in general industry, maritime, and construction. The NEP targets specific industries expected to have the highest numbers of workers exposed … Read more

OSHA Releases Compliance Guide for Silica Standard

On November 14, the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) released its Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction. This guide was produced for small to mid-size businesses (SMBs) with employees to help them comply with the new rule for crystalline silica exposure. Although … Read more

OSHA Releases Compliance Guide for Silica Standard

On November 14, the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) released its Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction. This guide was produced for small to mid-size businesses (SMBs) with employees to help them comply with the new rule for crystalline silica exposure. Although … Read more