Free Silica Safety Seminar

Workers in many industries are at risk of exposure to respirable silica — miniscule dust particles that become airborne when materials that contain silica are cut, grinded, drilled, or crushed.

Inhaling too much silica causes a condition called silicosis, among other diseases. Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that reduces quality of life and can be fatal. A worker can develop silicosis by either breathing small amounts of silica over a long period of time or inhaling large amounts over a short time. 

While silica is a hazard in any industry where airborne dust is produced, the amount of silica in engineered stone makes it a distinct threat. The concentration of silica in engineered stone (>93%) is nearly double that of natural stone such as granite (45-50%).  

Only in the last few years have officials begun to hone in on silica exposure from engineered stone in the countertop industry. It is unclear how many fatalities and overall cases of silicosis have occurred nationally. But the problem is significant.

In California, one of the first states to actively track silica exposure from engineered stone, officials have documented more than 430 cases of silicosis (including more than 175 in 2025) and 25 deaths.

And it’s not just older people developing the disease. The median age of diagnosis in California is 46, while the median age of death is 48.

It is reasonable to conclude that the situation is similar across the country. 

Beyond the effect on countertop workers who develop silicosis and their families, this issue has also major financial and legal ramifications for businesses in the industry. Businesses that don't take proper steps to protect their workers are risking higher workers compensation costs, lost productivity, and increased operational costs, as well as potential litigation.      

Attendees will learn:

• What silica is and why it is so hazardous to workers
• Why engineered stone is more dangerous than granite and natural stone
• How and why silica becomes airborne 
• Practical solutions for businesses and workers in the countertop industry 
• Challenges businesses and workers may face, and how to overcome them
• Employers' requirements for prevention and monitoring
• What tools, resources, and educational materials are available, including for Spanish-speaking workers

• Silica & Silicosis, 1-1:10 p.m. (MT)
  • Q&A, 1:10-1:15 p.m.
• Engineered Stone and Comparisons with Granite and Natural Stone, 1:15-1:35 p.m.
  • Q&A, 1:35-1:45 p.m.
• Solutions, 1:45-2:05 p.m.
  • Q&A, 2:05-2:15 p.m.
• Challenges with Prevention and Air Monitoring, 2:15-2:25 p.m.
  • Q&A, 2:25-2:30 p.m.
• Medical Monitoring Issues, 2:30-2:35 p.m.
• Open Discussion, 2:35-3 p.m.