Bill > SB20

This bill addresses occupational safety concerns related to artificial stone fabrication and silica dust exposure, specifically targeting the high rates of silicosis among workers in the stone fabrication industry. The bill adds silicosis and silica-related lung cancer to the definition of "serious injury or illness" and prohibits dry methods of working with artificial stone, requiring instead the use of effective wet methods that suppress dust during high-exposure tasks like cutting, grinding, and polishing. Fabrication shop owners must ensure employees receive specific training and annually attest to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health that workers have been trained. The bill also mandates that the State Department of Public Health report silicosis cases to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, conduct surveillance and prevention activities, and provide technical assistance to local health jurisdictions. The legislation is prompted by alarming statistics showing over 370 workers in California have been diagnosed with silicosis, with at least 21 deaths, predominantly among young immigrant workers. The bill aims to prevent worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica by implementing stricter safety protocols, improving reporting and tracking of silicosis cases, and closing enforcement gaps in current occupational safety regulations.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB20