Cal/OSHA Cites Nine for Safety Violations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited nine fabrication shops in the Sun Valley area of greater Los Angeles, with violations including workplace air safety.

The citations came with more than $168,000 in total fines.

Those cited are:

n  Miguel Clavel

n  Gasper Marble and Tile

n  Jose Sandoval Marble and Granite

n  Valley Marble

n  Edward Ponce

n  Durango Marble

n  Nacho Brothers Marble Inc.

n  M&M Three Marble Inc.

n  LB Quality Stone Experts Inc.

Each company was fined $18,785, except for Miguel Clavel, who received a $18,320 fine.

All were found to be in violation of multiple Title 8 Safety and Health Regulations including failure to use methods to effectively suppress dust and failure to provide employees with full-face, tight-fitting power air-purifying respirators.

Since 2019, The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed 176 cases of silicosis related to engineered stone, including at least 13 deaths and at least 19 individuals who have undergone lung transplants. Of those 176 cases, 105 have occurred in Los Angeles County.

In December of last year, an emergency temporary standard enhanced existing guidelines for respirable crystalline silica hazards.  Since that time, Cal/OSHA intensified enforcement and education efforts. The temporary standard was readopted last month.

The agency has also launched a bilingual public awareness and education campaign offering employers and workers information about the proper use of safety equipment and safe worksite practices. Workers who have questions or concerns can call 833-579-0927.