During October the HBACA Safety Committee highlighted the importance of Silica safety awareness to understand and mitigate the risks of exposure to crystalline silica, a common mineral found in materials like sand, stone, and concrete. Inhaling silica dust, often generated during cutting, grinding, or drilling could lead to serious lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer. To ensure safety, workers should use proper ventilation, wet cutting methods, and personal protective equipment like respirators. Regular training, monitoring, and compliance with regulations, such as OSHA’s silica standards, are critical to minimizing exposure and protecting worker health.

We are encouraging all our members to spend time with their employees discussing this topic. To support this effort, DR Horton and Hirschi Masonry put together a silica safety presentation, which you can find on our website alongside other safety-related materials.