Brayton Purcell Expands Push for California Ban on High-Silica Artificial Stone Amid Rising Silicosis Crisis
Event summary
- Brayton Purcell LLP is expanding its support for a Cal/OSHA petition to ban artificial stone with >1% crystalline silica, citing underreported silicosis cases.
- The firm represents 700+ workers nationwide, claiming actual silicosis cases are higher than publicly reported figures.
- Capital & Main investigation highlights federal bill (McClintock/Biggs) that would shield artificial stone manufacturers from liability.
- California alone has seen 29 deaths and 500+ silicosis cases linked to artificial stone fabrication.
The big picture
This escalating silicosis crisis highlights the tension between worker safety and industry liability, with California potentially setting a precedent for national regulation. The proposed federal shield legislation represents a significant governance shift that could undermine existing legal mechanisms for enforcing safer practices. With 700+ cases under litigation, Brayton Purcell's expanded advocacy signals growing momentum against high-silica artificial stone products.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Outcome
- Whether Cal/OSHA will adopt the WOEMA petition's prohibition on high-silica artificial stone.
- Legislative Progress
- The trajectory of the federal liability shield bill and its potential impact on worker protections.
- Industry Response
- How manufacturers will adapt if stricter regulations or continued litigation pressure materializes.