OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert: Worker Exposure to Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing and Installation
February 2015
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2015-106
![2015-106.jpg Cover of NIOSH/OSHA Hazard Alert - Worker Exposure to Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing and Installation](/niosh/docs/2015-106/images/2015-106.jpg?_=64437)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have identified exposure to silica as a health hazard to workers involved in manufacturing, finishing and installing natural and manufactured stone countertop products, both in fabrication shops and during in-home finishing/installation. This hazard can be mitigated with simple and effective dust controls in most countertop operations.