Politics & Government
LA City Council Supports State Bill Addressing Silicosis
The state bill looks to address a lung illness that is impacting workers in the San Fernando Valley.
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a move to address a lung illness impacting some San Fernando Valley workers, the Los Angeles City Council Wednesday threw its support behind a state bill that would require safety and licensing measures for the stone-cutting industry.
City Council members voted 14-0 to adopt a resolution in support of AB 3043, introduced by Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, D-North Hollywood. Councilman Tim McOsker was absent during the vote.
AB 3043 would require safety and licensing measures for the fabrication of engineered stone to address the increase in silicosis caused by the inhalation of respirable dust containing crystalline silica, according to a report from Sharon Tso, the city's chief legislative analyst.
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Council members Bob Blumenfield, Imelda Padilla and Monica Rodriguez, who represent different areas of the San Fernando Valley, have taken steps to help stone workers impacted by silicosis. They also introduced the motion calling for a resolution to support AB 3043.
Rodriguez said prior to the vote that the San Fernando Valley is a key center for the stone fabrication industry and home to many shops specializing in the production of artificial stone kitchen countertops.
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"This material poses significant health risks due to the silica content and the presence of harmful polymer resins, dyes and other binding materials used in its creations," Rodriguez said.
The California Department of Health has reported approximately 95 cases of silicosis among current countertop workers between 2019 and 2022. About 52 artificial stone workers were diagnosed with the disease, of which 51 were Latino immigrants.
The councilwoman noted the bill proposes a number of measures, including mandates and the implementation of stricter safety standards in workplaces, and establishes a robust system for health monitoring, as well as improving training and education programs for workers.
It would also introduce penalties for employers who fail to comply with these new regulations.
The legislation is sponsored by the State Building and Construction Trades Council, as well as by the American Lung Association in California and the Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association, according to the Los Angeles Times.
AB 3043 is making its way through the state Senate and is expected to be heard by the rules committee at a future date.
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