Global Granite Inc., Renton: Washington L&I silica citation

Findings on silica dust

• No assessment of worker silica exposure was done. The action level and the permissible limit were both exceeded for four employees during stone cutting, polishing and routing. Only built-in water delivery on the tools served as a control.
• Where silica exposure passed the permissible limit, no regulated area was established and marked off.
• Exposed employees weren't offered initial silica medical exams within 30 days.
• Employees weren't fit tested, and training on the respirators worn against silica exposure wasn't effective.

More hazards in this citation

• Noise wasn't monitored, despite employee exposure above 85 dBA while fabrication work was going on.
• No audiometric testing was given to employees exposed at or above 85 dBA of noise.
• The employer didn't keep the workplace free from recognized hazards; one example was failing to enforce social distancing. The text cuts off part of this description.

The employer's time to answer the citation: Once cited, the employer had to post the citation, fix every violation, and send back written proof of abatement. The penalty was due within 15 working days of receipt. An appeal of the citation was open to the employer for 15 working days.

If Global Granite was where you worked

Most new silicosis cases in the US now turn up in shops cutting quartz and other engineered stone. You may have two claims if your job at Global Granite in Renton involved cutting, grinding or polishing slabs. One is workers' comp through the employer's insurance. The other is a lawsuit against the companies that produced the stone.