Fabricator Silica Safety Webinar: May 14

OBERLIN, Ohio – Stone-countertop fabricators will be the focus of a free silica safety webinar on May 14 hosted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Federal and state officials, along with two accredited Natural Stone Institute members, will be on hand at 11 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time to describe the dangers of silica exposure, outline employer requirements to comply with the federal Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule, and offer methods employers can use to protect workers. 

During the webinar, representatives from NIOSH, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the California Department of Public Health will provide information related to silica exposure, including health risks, methods to protect employees from silica dust, and OSHA requirements.

Institute members Jonathan Mitnick (CCS Stone, Moonachie, N.J.) and David Scott (Slabworks of Montana, Bozeman, Mt.) will provide practical tips on controlling worker exposure to silica dust and share the steps they took to ensure their shops were OSHA-compliant.

“It is important for fabricators to comprehend the health risks involved with silicosis, both personally and for employees, and to understand what can be done to minimize the risks,” said Mark Meriaux, institute accreditation and technical manager. “There is currently at least one documented case of silicosis in California tied to a fabrication shop, so now is the time to get this message out to fabricators.

“We look forward to working with NIOSH to share this message.”

To register for this free webinar, contact occhealth@cdph.ca.gov or visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/NIOSH.

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