The U.S. Department of Labor announced on March 26 that two Cartersville, Georgia, stone product manufacturers have been cited for failing to address previously identified safety violations related to silica exposure.
According to the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a follow-up inspection found that Stone Atlanta Countertops Inc. was cited for two repeat, seven serious, and three other-than-serious violations. These included exposures to noise and respirable crystalline silica, as well as failure to develop a written respiratory protection program, a written exposure control plan for silica, and a written hazard communication program for hazardous materials.
GT Stone Granite LLC was also cited by OSHA with eight repeat, four serious, and two other-than-serious violations related to employee overexposure to noise and respirable crystalline silica. The agency reported that the company failed to implement a written exposure-control plan and a hazard communication program.
OSHA proposed $42,699 in penalties for Stone Atlanta Countertops Inc. and $73,607 in penalties for GT Stone Granite LLC. The employers have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Employers can contact OSHA for free compliance assistance and resources regarding silica hazards. The agency’s National Emphasis Program addresses efforts to reduce worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica—a microscopic dust that can cause lung cancer and respiratory diseases without proper protection. On August 24, 2022, the Department of Labor announced $3.4 million Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grants administered by the department’s Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration. Phoenix, Arizona has been awarded $542,358 through the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
Further details about these citations are available according to the official roster page.
