ISFA Calls for Immediate Enforcement Solutions and Partnership to Prevent Silicosis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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ISFA Calls for Immediate Enforcement Solutions and Partnership to Prevent Silicosis
Pittsburgh, PA — December 18, 2025— The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) today delivered formal remarks to the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, urging immediate, collaborative enforcement solutions to stop silica exposure while cautioning against a blanket prohibition that may fail to protect workers.
Laurie Weber, CEO of ISFA, addressed the Board on behalf of countertop and surface fabrication businesses across the United States, emphasizing that the industry stands in agreement with the medical community on the urgency of the issue.
“Silicosis is real, it is devastating, and it demands immediate action,” Weber said. “Worker health must come first.”
ISFA acknowledged the two distinct calls currently before the Board: one for prohibition and one for immediate, creative enforcement solutions that stop exposure now. While both reflect deep concern for worker health, Weber stressed that they are fundamentally different approaches requiring thoughtful collaboration.
“Silicosis is preventable,” Weber stated. “This is not simply a materials issue—it is a failure of operations, training, culture, and oversight. Human factors and organizational weaknesses are the primary drivers of exposure.”
ISFA emphasized that enforcement bodies cannot observe daily shop practices and that exposure depends on what businesses do when regulators are not present. Without clear pathways to compliance and meaningful enforcement support, bans risk pushing unsafe practices further underground.
While acknowledging the discomfort this moment brings to the industry, ISFA expressed confidence that the industry can respond decisively.
“Just as this Board can issue emergency orders, our industry can create emergency plans to support enforcement and reduce exposure now,” Weber said.
ISFA is actively working toward structured self-regulation under appropriate oversight and has formally requested time on the Board’s January agenda to present a California-specific plan. That plan will focus on immediate enforcement support, including third-party auditing, a controlled system of approved shops, and direct coordination with Cal/OSHA, local health departments, and law enforcement in regions most impacted by silicosis.
“This is a request for time and partnership—not delay,” Weber explained. “A blanket ban may feel decisive, but it does not address the reality that many of the highest-risk practices occur in businesses that are unversed in their responsibilities.”
ISFA also called for broad collaboration across the supply chain, including regulators, the medical community, builders, remodelers, designers, distributors, manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and trade associations. The association specifically invited medical professionals to partner in communicating practical solutions to patients and stakeholders.
In closing, Weber shared a message received from a fabrication shop owner following ISFA’s recent press release:
“I honestly can’t wrap my head around shops cutting quartz dry. We run water on everything. The problem is that good shops end up paying the price because a few irresponsible businesses choose profits over safety.”
“Responsible shops want accountability,” Weber said. “They want enforcement. And they want a clear path to doing the right thing.”
About ISFA
The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is a national trade association representing countertop and surface fabrication businesses across the United States and beyond. ISFA serves as the collective voice of the industry, advancing worker health and safety, workforce standards, responsible operations, and professional excellence. The association works collaboratively with regulators, medical professionals, manufacturers, and allied trades to promote safe fabrication practices, compliance, and long-term industry sustainability.
About the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is an independent body within the California Department of Industrial Relations responsible for adopting, amending, and repealing occupational safety and health standards for workplaces throughout the state. The mission of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is to promote, adopt, and maintain reasonable and enforceable standards that will ensure a safe and healthy workplace for California workers.