OSHA Silica Inspections Stone Fabrication: How to Prepare

Respirable crystalline silica has become a top priority for OSHA, and stone fabrication shops are experiencing a major surge in inspections, citations, and fines. If your team cuts, grinds, polishes, or fabricates natural or engineered stone, you are already on OSHA’s radar. With OSHA’s silica enforcement crackdown in 2025, every fabrication shop must be ready to prove compliance with the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard (29 CFR 1926.1153 / 1910.1053).

Silica exposure is directly linked to silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, and other long-term health issues. Because of the rising number of cases in the stone industry—especially among engineered stone workers—OSHA is increasing inspections, conducting more on-site exposure sampling, and issuing immediate citations when shops are missing exposure controls, respirator programs, or documented silica training. For practical ways to keep your team safer and stay compliant, check out our stone safety toolbox talk.

Why OSHA Is Cracking Down on Stone Fabrication Shops

Stone fabrication environments create some of the highest airborne silica concentrations of any industry. Dry cutting, polishing, grinding, and shop dust all expose workers to dangerous levels of respirable crystalline silica. OSHA has publicly stated that protecting stone fabrication workers is now a priority, which means more unannounced inspections, faster enforcement actions, and higher penalties for non-compliance.

If a shop cannot show written procedures, exposure results, engineering controls, or recent silica training, OSHA will treat that as a serious violation.

What OSHA Is Looking For During Inspections

During silica inspections, OSHA is focusing on a few consistent problem areas. Inspectors want to see that shops are controlling dust at the source, enforcing clean-up rules, protecting workers with PPE when required, and providing documented silica training. They are also checking whether employers have an updated Written Exposure Control Plan (ECP) and whether a designated competent person is overseeing compliance. For additional guidance on protecting your team and strengthening your program, see our stone safety toolbox resource.

Shops that continue to allow dry cutting, use compressed air for cleaning, or rely on sweeping instead of HEPA vacuuming are at very high risk for citations. OSHA also expects shops to maintain records, conduct exposure monitoring when required, and follow the employer responsibilities outlined in the silica standard.

How to Control Silica Exposure in Stone Shops

To comply with OSHA and protect workers, shops must use a combination of engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. OSHA expects engineering controls to be the primary defense. This means using wet cutting systems, local exhaust ventilation, slab-polishing water feeds, and HEPA dust collection rather than allowing dust to become airborne. Dry cutting should be completely eliminated.

Administrative controls are equally important. Shops must have a written Exposure Control Plan, restrict access to high-exposure areas, maintain strict silica housekeeping procedures, and assign a competent person to oversee compliance. Cleaning should be done with a HEPA vacuum or wet methods only—never sweeping or using compressed air.

PPE, including NIOSH-approved respirators, must be provided when engineering controls cannot keep exposure below the permissible exposure limit. OSHA also requires medical evaluations and respirator fit testing, and inspectors will ask to see documentation during an enforcement visit.

Training: The Most Commonly Overlooked Requirement

Employee training is one of the top silica violations in the stone industry. OSHA requires employers to train workers on silica hazards, health effects, exposure controls, respirator rules, and the procedures in the company’s Exposure Control Plan. That training must be easy to understand, offered regularly, and documented. Shops that cannot produce proof of training during an inspection are almost guaranteed a citation.

Medical Surveillance Requirements for Exposed Workers

For workers who are exposed at or above OSHA’s Action Level of 25 μg/m³ (8-hour TWA), medical surveillance may be required. This typically includes baseline exams, periodic follow-ups, and physician evaluations. OSHA will also check whether shops are maintaining and organizing their silica compliance records.

How Stone Shops Can Prepare Now

To stay ahead of OSHA’s silica enforcement program, stone shops should begin by reviewing their Exposure Control Plan, updating housekeeping procedures, eliminating dry cutting, testing controls, and retraining employees. Shops should also verify that their documentation is organized and accessible, because OSHA will ask for it immediately during an inspection. If a shop can demonstrate active training, consistent controls, and a clear safety process, it is far less likely to receive heavy penalties.

Protect Workers, Stay Compliant, and Avoid OSHA Penalties

OSHA’s silica enforcement crackdown is not temporary. The stone industry will continue to face intense scrutiny, and shops that lack a strong silica program are facing unnecessary risk. The good news is that with the right controls, documentation, and employee training, it is absolutely possible to stay compliant, prevent silicosis, and maintain a safe and productive fabrication environment.

How Ving Helps Stone Shops Train and Comply

Ving makes silica compliance easier by providing:

• Ready-to-use respirable silica training for fabrication workers

• Automated record-keeping and sign-off tracking

• Toolbox talks and micro-learning that improve retention

• Documentation you can show OSHA in seconds

OSHA enforcement is only increasing. With Ving, your team gets trained, your records stay organized, and your shop is always audit-ready.

👉 Want the silica training kit for your team?