OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert: Worker Exposure to Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing, and Installation

NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have jointly updated the hazard alert around the dangers of respirable crystalline silica dust exposure for workers who manufacture, finish, and install natural and engineered stone countertops. This alert outlines the health hazard that these workers face and provides guidance and other information to help employers take steps to ensure workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica remains below OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL).

Note: This publication supersedes 2015-106

OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert: Worker Exposure to Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing, and Installation [PDF – 827 KB]

Suggested Citation

NIOSH, OSHA [2026]. Worker exposure to silica during countertop manufacturing, finishing and installation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2026‒101, OSHA HA‒3768‒2026.