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L&I scientist warns engineered-stone fabrication could drive more silicosis cases in Washington
Summary
An L&I SHARP industrial hygienist told the advisory committee that engineered stone used for countertops exposes fabricators to silica levels that can cause early-onset silicosis; Washington has nine known cases and the state is tracking reporting, enforcement and pending litigation.
Carolyn Woodaker, an industrial hygienist with L&I's SHARP program, told the Workers'Comp Advisory Committee that workers who fabricate engineered stone countertops can be exposed to silica concentrations that "can cause silicosis," including accelerated and acute forms that appear after relatively short exposure periods.
Woodaker said Washington currently has nine known cases among countertop fabricators, five of which are recorded in the workers'comp system, and that reporting is incomplete because few physicians currently file reports to SHARP. "We are doing outreach to pulmonologists, occupational physicians and trade newsletters," she said, adding that improved reporting could increase identified case counts.
Woodaker highlighted national and international data: California's public dashboard showed about 568 confirmed engineered-stone silicosis cases and 31 deaths at the time she spoke; Australia reported roughly 560 cases before banning manufacture, sale and fabrication of engineered stone. She said the California Standards Board has asked Cal/OSHA to begin rulemaking to prohibit fabrication and installation of products containing more than 1% crystalline silica.
Committee members asked about alternatives and enforcement. Woodaker said some silica-free product lines use amorphous silica and still require wet methods for exposure control; she noted that water-integrated saws and wet tools are required by Washington's silica rule, but maintaining housekeeping and controlling shop-floor sludge is difficult. "The water goes into the trench, it is filtered and reclaimed, and the sludge is disposed according to Department of Ecology requirements," she said, adding that poor housekeeping can leave dust on surfaces and increase exposure.
Members pressed on inspections and citations in Washington. Woodaker said DOSH has performed inspections in fabrication shops and has issued citations and penalties in some cases. She described only a small number of fabrication inspections in recent years (roughly one to five annually since the pandemic) but said there have been enforcement findings when inspectors identified failures to control exposures.
The committee discussed litigation and surveillance. Woodaker said five workers have filed suits against manufacturers (not employers) in King County, with the first trial scheduled for July 13. She said SHARP treats silicosis as a reportable condition under the state's notifiable-conditions rule and is working to increase physician reporting and case detection.
The committee requested follow-up on enforcement data and outreach plans. Brenda Heilman (Labor and Industries) said staff will provide additional enforcement detail in a future meeting.
Ending: L&I staff said they will continue education and outreach and monitor California's rulemaking and Washington legal cases as they may affect local enforcement and case counts.
