Cal/OSHA Targets Silica Safety Violations, Cites 9 Employers

California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has cited nine employers for silica health and safety violations in the greater Los Angeles area.

Cal/OSHA has ramped up enforcement efforts to address the growing number of silicosis cases among stone workers, according to an agency press release.

What is Silica and Why Is It Harmful?

First things first: Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in stone, brick, rock, concrete, block, mortar, asphalt and sand. When workers cut or grind these materials, silica particles are released into the air. 

Workers who inhale silica dust are at increased risk for developing silica-related diseases, including:

• Silicosis, an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability or death
• Lung cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and
• Kidney disease. 

How to Help Protect Employees

Reducing or eliminating silica hazards in the workplace means controlling exposure to silica dust. Employees can protect themselves by:

• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as coveralls and respirators
• Wetting the dust and preventing it from getting into the air, and
• Vacuuming to immediately remove the dust at the point where it is made.

Fines Exceed $168K 

Cal/OSHA cited nine employers in Sun Valley in the greater Los Angeles area for multiple violations:  

• Miguel Clavel – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,320
• Gasper Marble and Tile – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
• Jose Sandoval Marble and Granite – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
• Valley Marble – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
• Edward Ponce – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
• Durango Marble – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
• Nacho Brothers Marble Inc. – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
• M & M Three Marble Inc. – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
• LB Quality Stone Experts Inc. – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785

Emergency Standard

At the end of last year, Cal/OSHA put into place an emergency standard in an effort to protect workers in the stone fabrication industry from the deadly effects of silica dust. The measure took effect on Dec. 29, 2023.

If employers have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs, they can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.