WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited nine employers in Sun Valley within the greater Los Angeles area following efforts to address the growing number of silicosis cases among stone workers in California.
August 28, 2024 - Sacramento — As California faces an increase in silicosis cases among stone workers, Cal/OSHA continues ramping up enforcement efforts and today announced citing nine more employers, this time in Sun Valley. The safety violations include over $168,000 in fines.
Cal/OSHA cited the following employers:
- Miguel Clavel – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,320
- Gasper Marble and Tile – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
- Jose Sandoval Marble and Granite – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
- Valley Marble – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
- Edward Ponce – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
- Durango Marble – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
- Nacho Brothers Marble Inc. – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
- M & M Three Marble Inc. – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
- LB Quality Stone Experts Inc. – Violations: 1 regulatory, 6 general, 2 serious | Total Fine: $18,785
The Van Nuys District Office conducted inspections and it was determined that all the employers were in violation of multiple Title 8 Safety and Health Regulations, including failure to use methods to effectively suppress dust and failed to provide their employees with full-face, tight-fitting power air purifying respirators.
WHY IT MATTERS: Cal/OSHA’s workplace safety laws and emergency temporary standard are key components to ensure that workers are safe. Increasing awareness to employers and employees of the dangerous effects of inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust from tasks like grinding, drilling and cutting, can help save lives and avoid incurable health conditions like silicosis, lung cancer and kidney diseases.
With cases of silicosis increasing across the state, Cal/OSHA has intensified its enforcement and education efforts. In December of last year an emergency temporary standard was adopted to enhance existing guidelines for respirable crystalline silica hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) voted to readopt the emergency temporary standard at its August 15 meeting.
DIR and Cal/OSHA recently launched a bilingual public awareness and education campaign that offers employers and workers resources and information about the proper use of safety equipment and safe worksite practices. The campaign website, worksafewithsilica.org, also provides vital information for workers on workplace safety rights and how to report safety violations.
Since 2019, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed a total of 176 cases of silicosis related to engineered stone, including at least 13 deaths and at least 19 individuals who have undergone a lung transplant. A total of 105 of the 176 cases occurred in Los Angeles County, with the remainder occurring in other parts of the state.
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.
Workers who have questions about workplace safety concerns can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a Cal/OSHA representative during normal business hours. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact: InfoCons@dir.ca.gov, or call your local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office
Source: California Department of Industrial Relations
Related: CA. Department of Industrial Relations Announces California Adds Safeguards to Protect Workers Against Silicosis - Cal/OSHA Educates Stone Industry About Dangers of Silica Dust
