Silicosis News & Updates

The Natural Stone Institute actively monitors the latest regulatory and legal developments, emerging research, and industry headlines related to silicosis. By sharing timely, relevant updates with our members and the broader natural stone community, we aim to support informed decision-making and strengthen the safety and health of our workforce.

 

State of Silicosis Safety

In January 2026, Natural Stone Institute published a Progress Report and 2026 Roadmap on the state of silicosis safety. This document provides an overview of scientific research, educational resources, and advocacy efforts. 

Access Silicosis Safety Report

 

Legal & Legislative Updates

Learn about the legal actions and industry issues connected to respirable crystalline silica, including high-profile lawsuits and broader litigation trends affecting stone slab manufacturers, suppliers, and others in the natural stone community. This resource explains key developments in silica-related civil cases, proposed legislation addressing industry liability, and relevant legal context shaping how silica exposures are being handled in courts and legislatures.

The page also features examples of natural stone industry leaders actively engaging in advocacy efforts, including formal testimony, public comment submissions, and organized letter-writing campaigns.

Access Silica Lawsuits Overview

 

Federal News

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees across the United States. In 2016 they reduced the permissible exposure level (PEL) for crystalline silica. Here are the most important news updates since then.

04/2025: NSI expresses concerns about NIOSHA layoffs and Potential Reductions at OSHA & MSHA.

04/2024: MSHA passes final rule for Silica Exposure.

2024: OSHA Publishes Hazard Analysis from Engineered Stone Silica Emphasis Program

11/2023: OSHA / NIOSH Hazard Alert - Worker exposure to silica during countertop manufacturing, finishing and installation.

09/2023: Department of Labor announces enforcement, compliance initiative to protect workers from silica exposure in engineered stone fabrication, installation.

02/2020: OSHA renews a National Emphasis Program focused on silica safety in the workplace.

09/2019: CDC releases MMWR about Severe Silicosis in Engineered Stone Fabrication Workers in four states.

01/2019: OSHA publishes FAQs for the General Industry Standard.

12/2018: OSHA publishes FAQs for the Construction Industry Standard.

6/2018: General Industry Silica Standard affecting workers in fabrication facilities goes into effect.

9/2017: Construction Silica Standard affecting workers in the field at jobsites went into effect.

3/2017: OSHA releases final Silica Ruling.

 

California News

 

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board has been very active with new standards and legislation proposals since 2023. Follow this timeline of the biggest headlines which is updated regularly.

05/2026: Cal/OSHA Standards Board Advances Petition Addressing Engineered Stone

01/2026: Cal/OSHA Standards Board Holds Public Comment Meeting to Consider Regulation Banning Engineered Quartz and a Licensure Program

12/2024: California Senate Bill 20 Proposed to Limit Sale of Silica-Containing Materials to Enrolled Contractors

12/2024: Cal/OSHA Standards Board Votes to Adopt Permanent Standard Protecting Workers from Silica Hazards.

07/2024: Cal/OSHA Silicosis Legislation Withdrawn

05/2024: Cal/OSHA approves Emergency Temporary Standard for an Additional 90 Days

12/2023: California Standards Board Adopts Emergency Temporary Standard to Protect Workers from Silicosis

 

Global News

 

Silicosis is a global challenge, with each region addressing awareness, regulation, and prevention on its own timeline. This section features significant headlines and developments from around the world.

05/2026: UK HSE Warns Against Dry Cutting Engineered Stone Ahead of Inspection Crackdown

06/2024: New Zealand Issues Accelerated Silicosis Safety Alert

07/2024: Australia Engineered Stone Ban Takes Effect

12/2023: Australia Prohibits the use of Engineered Stone.