U.S. Department of Labor safety inspectors have found that Brazilian Stone Design LLC, a stone countertop manufacturer in Powder Springs, Georgia, exposed its workers to hazardous levels of respirable crystalline silica. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued seven serious citations to the company, resulting in $33,000 in penalties.
The citations were related to the company's alleged failure to protect workers from high concentrations of airborne respirable crystalline silica. OSHA reported that the company did not require the use of respirators or conduct fit testing and training for those using them. Additionally, there was no air monitoring or effective hearing conservation program administered by the employer.
To safeguard workers' health, OSHA has established two standards concerning respirable crystalline silica—one for construction and another for general industry and maritime sectors. More information about these standards is available on OSHA’s website.
Employers seeking assistance can visit OSHA’s site for guidance on developing workplace safety and health programs or contact the agency directly for compliance assistance resources.
