Natural Stone Institute Releases State of Silica Safety: 2024 – 25 Progress Report and 2026 Roadmap
Contact:
Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oberlin, OH, January 2026 — The Natural Stone Institute (NSI) has released State of Silica Safety: 2024-25 Progress Report & 2026 Roadmap, outlining industry action taken over the past two years to protect workers, strengthen safety practices, and respond to evolving regulatory and legal environments related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
Over the past two years, the Natural Stone Institute and its partners have mobilized unprecedented resources to protect workers and strengthen industry practices. This work has been strategic and deeply rooted in a commitment to ensure long-term safety and sustainability for every stone professional.
The report documents progress made through strengthened scientific and medical expertise, expanded education and training, improved regulatory engagement, and continued advocacy. In collaboration with the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), NSI secured an active partnership with Yale School of Medicine, delivering the first comprehensive, science-driven guidance documents specific to stone fabrication environments. This includes reviews of exposure and clinical studies, new guidance for air sampling and employee medical surveillance, and a new RCS exposure study based on industry-provided air sampling data; the largest known pool of U.S. data from stone fabrication shops.
The State of Silica Safety report also highlights expanded education efforts, including national webinars, in-person and online training that has directly reached more than 2,000 stone professionals, and the promotion of a Silica Training Certificate Program available in both English and Spanish. Renewal courses for the Silica & Slab Safety Certificate Program are now available.
In addition, the report outlines strengthened relationships with OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and other regulatory and public health agencies through meetings, facility tours, and technical collaboration, as well as continued advocacy for eliminating dry cutting, improved housekeeping practices, and expanded air sampling and employee medical surveillance.
Looking ahead, the 2026 roadmap details plans to complete a medical surveillance study with Yale School of Medicine, conduct a new economic impact study related to OSHA and MSHA compliance, expand legislative and legal advocacy efforts, and launch additional silica-focused training courses to streamline certificate requirements and renewals.
The State of Silica Safety: 2024-25 Progress Report & 2026 Roadmap reflects the Natural Stone Institute’s continued investment in research, education, advocacy, and collaboration to support worker safety and industry confidence.
To download the State of Silica Safety: 2024-25 Progress Report & 2026 Roadmap, click here.
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About the Natural Stone Institute
The Natural Stone Institute (NSI) is a trade association representing more than 2,100 members in over 50 nations in virtually every aspect of the global natural stone industry. NSI is dedicated to increasing awareness of natural stone as one of nature’s most enduring, inspiring, and sustainable building materials. We offer opportunities for professionals of all fields, backgrounds, and career levels to connect on natural stone industry challenges, meet potential business partners, and grow their expertise and influence. NSI plays a central role in advancing professionalism, technical standards, and safety through a commitment to training, regulatory advocacy, third-party testing, and rigorous credentialing. Learn more about NSI’s programs, publications, and passion for the natural stone industry at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.
