Overview
- The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted on Thursday to grant a physicians’ petition and directed Cal/OSHA to start fast-track rulemaking to prohibit fabrication and installation of engineered stone that contains more than 1% crystalline silica.
- State tracking shows a sharp surge in cases tied to engineered stone with more than 560 confirmed silicosis diagnoses, at least 31 documented deaths, and roughly 58 lung transplants among affected workers.
- Cal/OSHA inspections of about 140 fabrication shops found very high noncompliance, with roughly 94% in violation of safety rules and about 20% ordered shut down, evidence regulators cite to justify product removal.
- Manufacturers and industry groups oppose a product ban and instead urge stronger enforcement, fabricator certification, and safer cutting practices; opponents warn a ban could push some work underground or face legal challenges.
- The rulemaking will take months, require additional board votes and advisory committees, and, if finalized, would make California the first U.S. state to outlaw high-silica engineered stone following Australia’s 2024 ban.