On July 20, 2023, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board approved an Emergency Temporary Standard for Respirable Crystalline Silica (Silica). The standard aims to protect employees in the fabricated stone industry from silica exposure. The request for the standard was made by the Western Occupational and Environment Medical Association (WOEMA) due to an increase in reported cases of silicosis. The ETS includes various provisions such as regulated areas, prohibition of dry fabrication, and the use of respirators. Despite staff recommending denial and updating the existing standard, the board adopted the proposed petition. The Silica ETS will be drafted in the coming months.
