Countertop Maker in Georgia Fined for Exposing Workers to Silica Dust

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined a Georgia countertop maker $33,000 for allegedly exposing workers to high levels of silica dust, which causes silicosis and other respiratory ailments.

Brazilian Stone Design, in Powder Springs, which makes and sells kitchen and bathroom countertops, was cited for reportedly failing to require workers to use respirators, failing to perform fit testing and training for workers wearing respirators, failing to conduct air monitoring and failing to set up a hearing protection program, OSHA said in a bulletin.

OSHA has long had workplace standards for respirable crystalline silica – one for construction and one for general industry and maritime workers.