Silica Resources Test
The Natural Stone Institute is committed to equipping the industry with clear, research-based guidance and practical tools to prevent silicosis and strengthen workplace safety.
Explore the sections below to learn more about:
- Silica & Slab Safety Certificate
- Reference Guides
- In-Person Silica Training & Updates
- OSHA Silica Rule
- Cal/OSHA Silica Standard
- Guidance for Compliance
- Scientific Research on Silica Safety
- Reference Guides Based on Science
- State of Silica Safety
- Regulatory & Legal Updates
- Important Headlines
Silicosis: Incurable but Preventable
There is no cure for silicosis. When an aggressive form of silicosis is present in the lungs, scarring progresses rapidly. There is no effective medication to halt the scarring. The only treatment for silicosis is prevention: avoiding exposure to respirable silica dust.
Employers can prevent silicosis and keep employees safe by providing the following:
- Training
- Air monitoring and adherence to air quality requirements
- Engineering controls and housekeeping practices
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Medical surveillance to ensure workers remain healthy
Protecting employees from respirable crystalline silica and silicosis should be one of the most important objectives of every company in the hard-surface industry.
NOTE: we encourage stone companies to remind customers that silicosis is an occupational hazard and is not a danger to homeowners or other end-users.
Safety programming is supported by the members of the NSI Safety Committee:
The Natural Stone Foundation provided a generous grant to fund the 2023 update to the Silica & Slab Safety Certificate.
