How to Protect Workers From Engineered Stone Silicosis (2024)

You trust your employer. Sure, there are obvious hazards one would expect to encounter on the job, but no one thinks they would develop a debilitating disease. Silicosis — an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica particles — has become an increasing concern, especially for workers involved in manufacturing engineered stone. That’s why one question everyone should ask (employers and employees alike) is how to protect workers from engineered stone silicosis.

A proactive approach can save lives and reduce the long-term health impacts of silica exposure.

Understanding Engineered Stone Silicosis

Silicosis is caused by prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica, a substance found in many construction and manufacturing materials. When silica particles are inhaled, they can scar healthy lung tissue, causing inflammation and reduced lung function. Early symptoms can include:

• Persistent cough.
• Shortness of breath during physical activity.
• Fatigue.
• Chest pain.

As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen, leading to permanent disability and even total respiratory failure. And yet, silicosis is preventable when the right precautions are taken.

Why Engineered Stone Is a Key Factor

Engineered stone, which is widely used in the manufacturing of kitchen countertops and construction materials, contains up to 90% crystalline silica — significantly more than natural stone. Processes like cutting, grinding, and polishing release large amounts of silica dust into the air, putting workers in these industries at high risk:

1. Countertop Fabrication and Installation. Workers who fabricate and install engineered stone surfaces face some of the highest exposure levels. Improper wet cutting or dry grinding without ventilation creates a significant risk.
2. Construcción. Demolition, drilling, and the sanding of materials that contain engineered or natural stone can often generate silica dust. Without proper controls, these activities can endanger workers’ health.
3. Mining and Quarrying. Mining natural stone and silica-rich materials can expose workers to respirable silica over long periods.
4. Fabricación. Workers involved in the production of engineered stone materials are often exposed to silica dust during the crushing and mixing processes.
5. Secondary exposure. Workers who share space with those who cut, grind, and polish engineered stone are also at risk, especially if the space is not well-ventilated. Silica dust also adheres to skin and clothes, which can put workers’ families at risk.

Causes of Silicosis

1. Prolonged Exposure to Respirable Silica. Silicosis results from extended exposure to airborne silica particles. Chronic cases can take years to develop, but acute silicosis can occur after only a few months of high-level exposure.
2. Lack of Protective Measures. Many cases arise from inadequate safety protocols, for example, insufficient ventilation, lack of proper training, or failure to provide adequate protective equipment.
3. Negligence in Workplace Monitoring. Some industries fail to monitor air quality or adhere to exposure limits, leaving workers unaware of the dangers.

How To Protect Workers

1. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when trying to protect workers from silica exposure. Workers should use NIOSH-approved respirators with a filter rating of N95 or higher when exposure cannot be eliminated; disposable or washable protective clothing that prevents silica dust from being transported home; goggles or safety glasses to prevent silica from entering the eyes; and durable gloves that can protect hands during handling or cutting materials.
2. Use wet-cutting techniques. Cutting engineered stone with water reduces the amount of dust that is released into the air. This means that machines equipped with water delivery systems are critical for safety.
3. Install ventilation systems. Proper ventilation, including dust collection systems, can ensure that airborne particles are filtered out of the work environment.
4. Provide comprehensive training. Employers must educate workers about the dangers of silica exposure and train them on proper handling techniques and safety practices.
5. Conduct air quality monitoring. The workplace air quality should be regularly tested for silica levels. This can ensure that exposure remains below permissible limits.
6. Enforce safety regulations. Organizations should comply with OSHA standards and ensure that all safety measures are not only in place but are consistently followed.

Empowering Workers to Protect Themselves

While employers bear much of the responsibility, workers can take proactive steps to safeguard their health:

• Ask questions. Workers should inquire about safety measures and request PPE or additional training if needed.
• Participate in health screenings. Regular medical check-ups can detect early signs of silicosis.
• Avoid dry cutting. If proper wet-cutting equipment isn’t available, workers should refuse tasks that generate excessive dust.
• Follow decontamination procedures. Washing hands, changing clothes, and avoiding bringing work materials home can prevent secondary exposure to family members.

Preguntas frecuentes

P: ¿Puede desarrollarse la silicosis a partir de una exposición de corta duración?

A: Yes. Acute silicosis can develop within months if exposure levels are extremely high. This type of silicosis progresses quickly and can cause severe symptoms in a very short period of time. If you are experiencing symptoms of silicosis, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist as soon as possible.

Q: Does Wearing a Regular Face Mask Provide Enough Protection?

A: No. Standard cloth or surgical masks do not protect against silica dust. Only NIOSH-approved respirators with proper filters are effective in blocking silica particles. If your employer failed to provide these high-grade masks, and you have been diagnosed with silicosis, consulting with the team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., should be your next step. After reviewing your case, we can determine liability.

Q: Can Silica Exposure Affect Workers’ Families?

A: Yes. Silica dust can be transported home on clothing or skin, which can potentially expose family members to harmful particles. Decontamination procedures are crucial to prevent secondary exposure. If there are showering facilities at work, shower before changing clothes to return home. If there are not, be sure to change clothes before entering your vehicle and immediately shower when you get home.

Q: Can Technology Reduce Silica Exposure Risks?

A: Yes. Innovations like automated cutting machines and advanced dust suppression systems significantly reduce exposure. They work by limiting human involvement in these hazardous processes. Technology is constantly evolving, but if you have already been diagnosed with silicosis, the office of Wallace & Graham, P.A., is standing by to help you pursue justice.

Wallace & Graham, P.A. – Silicosis Law Firm

By prioritizing safety, training, and protective equipment, industries can significantly reduce the risk of silicosis and protect their most valuable resource: their workers. Taking collective action can ensure a safer, healthier future for all involved in silica-related industries — but that doesn’t help those already battling this disease.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, you don’t have to face an uphill legal battle alone. Wallace & Graham, P.A., have decades of experience in toxic exposure litigation and are poised to take some of the burden off your shoulders. Let us take care of the legalities while you focus on your health. Póngase en contacto con nosotros hoy mismo para concertar una consulta.