California STOP Act targets state's fabricated stone industry

A rise in silicosis cases among workers in the fabricated stone industry led to California's Silicosis, Training, Outreach, and Prevention (STOP) Act, which was signed into law October 13 by Governor Gavin Newsom. The Act takes effect January 1, 2026. It prohibits dry cutting of stone countertops, mandates employee training, and classifies silicosis and silica-related lung cancer from artificial stone as a serious injury or illness. Sky Transport Solutions helps employers understand and comply with these new requirements to protect worker health and safety.

What is the STOP Act?

The Silicosis, Training, Outreach, and Prevention (STOP) Act represents California's response to increasing silicosis cases in the fabricated stone industry. This comprehensive legislation addresses workplace safety concerns by implementing strict requirements for employers in this sector.

Training and Attestation Requirements

Beginning on July 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, impacted employers must electronically submit a written attestation to Cal/OSHA that each employee who performs high-exposure trigger tasks has received appropriate training. Training requirements are outlined in Section 5204 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.

Understanding Silicosis

Silicosis is caused by the inhalation of respirable dust containing crystalline silica. When small particles of silica get into the lungs, they can cause permanent scarring and difficulty breathing, as well as lung cancer, kidney damage, and several autoimmune diseases. Workers who cut, grind, and polish stone slabs containing crystalline silica are at risk if appropriate measures are not taken.

The Rise in Silicosis Cases

The STOP Act was enacted in response to a concerning increase in silicosis cases among workers in California's fabricated stone industry. This trend highlighted the urgent need for stronger workplace safety regulations and better protection for workers exposed to crystalline silica dust.

Fabricated stone, particularly engineered or artificial stone countertops, often contains high levels of crystalline silica. When workers cut, grind, or polish these materials without proper controls, they can inhale dangerous levels of silica dust, leading to serious health consequences.

Prohibition on Dry Cutting

One of the key provisions of the STOP Act is the prohibition on dry cutting of stone countertops. Dry cutting generates significantly more respirable silica dust than wet cutting methods, which use water to suppress dust generation. This prohibition is a critical step in reducing worker exposure to crystalline silica.

High-Exposure Trigger Tasks

The STOP Act focuses on employees who perform "high-exposure trigger tasks." These are work activities that involve significant exposure to crystalline silica dust, such as:

• Cutting stone countertops and slabs
• Grinding and polishing stone surfaces
• Shaping and fabricating stone materials
• Any task that generates respirable crystalline silica dust

Employers must identify all employees performing these tasks and ensure they receive appropriate training and protection.

Serious Injury or Illness Classification

The STOP Act classifies silicosis and silica-related lung cancer from artificial stone as serious injuries or illnesses. This classification has important implications for:

Compliance Timeline

Employers in California's fabricated stone industry must prepare for multiple compliance deadlines:

Preparing for Compliance

Employers should begin preparing for STOP Act compliance immediately. Key steps include:

• Review current practices: Assess whether dry cutting is currently used and develop plans to eliminate it
• Develop training programs: Create comprehensive training that meets Section 5204 requirements
• Identify high-exposure tasks: Document all employees performing trigger tasks
• Establish attestation systems: Develop processes for annual electronic submission to Cal/OSHA
• Implement engineering controls: Ensure proper ventilation, dust collection, and wet cutting methods
• Provide personal protective equipment: Ensure appropriate respirators and other PPE are available and used
• Update recordkeeping: Prepare for new serious injury/illness classification requirements

How Sky Transport Solutions Can Help

At Sky Transport Solutions, we understand that navigating new regulatory requirements can be challenging. Our team can help employers in California's fabricated stone industry:

• Understand STOP Act requirements and compliance obligations
• Develop comprehensive training programs that meet Section 5204 requirements
• Identify high-exposure trigger tasks and affected employees
• Establish systems for annual electronic attestation to Cal/OSHA
• Review and update workplace safety practices to eliminate dry cutting
• Implement engineering controls and dust suppression measures
• Develop policies and procedures for compliance with the new law
• Update recordkeeping systems for serious injury/illness classification
• Conduct workplace assessments to identify compliance gaps
• Provide ongoing support and guidance as requirements evolve
• Train supervisors and employees on new requirements
• Ensure proper documentation of training and compliance efforts

Don't wait until the January 1, 2026 effective date to begin preparing. Contact Sky Transport Solutions today to ensure your organization is ready to comply with the California STOP Act and protect your workers from the serious health risks of crystalline silica exposure.