A client of ours received a letter stating that OSHA is planning a new inspection initiative that will focus on enhanced enforcement in the engineered stone fabrication and installation industry. Upon reading the letter forwarded to us, I ventured onto OSHA’s website (osha.gov) to see the section—follow the link to see their announcement:  https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/09252023

Crystaline Silica is not cancerous. What it does to your lungs is a scarring that is called fibrosis. This leads to silicosis which is an untreatable form of cancer. UNTREATABLE ….. did you read that? You become worm food too early.

The exposures in a typical shop extend right to the jobsite if any cutting, drilling or grinding of seams take place as well. Beyond the silica issue, many shops use chemicals to adhere, seal and polish that usually require ventilation or respirator protection as well. Just because you can buy a respirator just about anywhere, realize there are several legal steps to consider before providing these to your workers. LeadSMART’s trainers have been educated by OSHA’s education programs on the use of tight fitting respirators for over 10 years and can assist you competently.

When OSHA released the updated their regulation based on new medical evidence, LeadSMART first became educated on this topic by OSHA training and medical experts. Our silica program offers to firms working with this product the following:

  1. Training – both live and our own ONLINE COURSE
  2. Respirator training – both live and our own ONLINE COURSE
  3. Respirator Fit Testing – we purchased our own quantitative fit testing machine and provide this service at your locations
  4. Air Sampling – we will perform air sampling to establish your exposure levels (if you invested in wet systems, you might not have any exposure to be concerned of in your shop)
  5. RESPIRATORS – real ones! (and filters) are offered by our sister company Parker Safety Group – View Products
  6. Silica Exposure plan development

We have worked with a few shops on this topic previously – unfortunately many have learnt the hard way how costly ignoring this topic can be. Being proactive not only proves to be less of an expense when enforcement does the education but demonstrates to your workers your concern for their health and safety is your most important concern.

Turn to LeadSMART as your partner in keeping your workers safe and your assets safer.