Stone Product Manufacturer Faces Costly OSHA Penalty for Allegedly Exposing Workers to Respirable Crystalline Silica

Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that a follow-up inspection found a stone product manufacturer in Georgia had failed to administer hearing conservation and respiratory protection programs identified previously on an April 2024 safety and health inspection.

According to the DOL:

Five months after the initial inspection, the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the company with two repeat violations and 13 serious violations for not providing workplace protections for employees exposed to hazards such as silica dust and occupational related noise. The company will pay $120,000 in penalties, take action to correct the hazardous conditions, and put steps in place to prevent recurrence.

“Over time, workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica may develop a number of serious health conditions, including silicosis,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and even death. Mitigating exposure risks is required, and noncompliance penalties can be quite costly, as this case illustrates. At EMSL, our scientists at laboratories located across North America are dedicated to helping companies protect workers from exposure to respirable silica and a wide range of other airborne hazards. We offer industrial hygiene and material testing services, sampling supplies, and air monitoring instruments. EMSL also provides personal protective equipment, including a wide range of respirators, filters, accessories, and fit testing supplies.”

To learn more about testing for silica, or for access to sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail