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OSHA Cites Pennsylvania Brick Manufacturer for Silica Hazards<\/p>\n
General Shale Brick faces $496,528 in proposed penalties after OSHA cited its Pennsylvania plant for silica-related violations.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tBy Chelsey ArriesAug 28, 2026
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The DOL has cited General Shale Brick Inc. for exposing workers to unsafe levels of respirable silica dust at its Watsontown, Pennsylvania plant. OSHA has proposed $496,528 in penalties.<\/p>\n
OSHA issued three willful violations, four serious violations, one repeat violation and one other-than-serious violation following an inspection of the facility’s Plant 3, where molded brick is manufactured.<\/p>\n
Investigators inspected the plant on Feb. 12 as part of OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting inspection plan and national emphasis program on silica. The inspection also included a review of the company’s injury and illness records.<\/p>\n
According to OSHA, workers in Plant 3 were exposed to silica dust above safe limits. The agency states that the company knew about the exposure but did not correct the problem or require affected workers to wear respirators.<\/p>\n
OSHA also alleged the company failed to conduct annual respirator fit testing, establish regulated areas for employees exposed to silica or assess silica exposure levels for all jobs involving the hazard.<\/p>\n
The agency further determined that workers exposed to silica for more than 30 days annually did not receive required medical examinations. A previous violation involving respirator fit testing at the company’s Augusta, Georgia facility resulted in an additional repeat violation.<\/p>\n
Employers can visit the OSHA website to learn more about protecting workers from silica hazards<\/a> or for more information on meeting OSHA safety standards<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n About the Author<\/p>\n