Electronic Summary Version

January 9, 2026

Quote of the day

“Good shops end up paying the price because a few irresponsible business owners choose profits over safety.”
Laurie Weber of the International Surface Fabricators Association, which opposes a proposed ban on the fabrication and installation of engineered stone to stop the growing silicosis outbreak in California.

Get the latest on this developing story in this week’s Cal-OSHA Reporter.

Industry Pushes Back on Silica Ban Plan

Occupational health advocates say California should go the Down Under way and ban engineered stone. But industry representatives here say that’s not necessary. Here’s what they think the state should do instead.

 

Plume Finally Meets

Are protections for healthcare workers from surgical plume finally close to being published by Cal/OSHA? And what should the rules contain? An advisory committee will hash out a draft proposal later this month. Here’s what it would require.

 

The Stories That Were 2025

Here’s a look back at the occupational safety and health stories from the pages of Cal-OSHA Reporter that shaped 2025 – and will have an impact on 2026.

 

Workplace Fatality Update

Here are the California workplace fatalities that closed out 2025.