For over a decade, Caesarstone has been educating and informing trade professionals of this occupational hazard, including its free Master of Stone Program that certifies fabricators in 15 countries and 12 languages to provide essential training for safe practices.

"Proper material handling is a critical part of ensuring safety from fabrication to installation," said Lindsey Waldrep, vice president of marketing at Caesarstone. "One of the most significant health and safety concerns is exposure to crystalline silica dust during the cutting, grinding, polishing, or sawing of materials containing silica."

Prolonged exposure to silica dust has been linked to serious respiratory diseases in stoneworkers, particularly those who cut and shape countertops without adequate protection. While the surfaces pose no risk to end users in homes or businesses, fabrication shops have faced increasing scrutiny over worker safety protocols.

"Diseases related to silica dust are 100% preventable when established safety procedures are followed, such as wet cutting and effective respiratory protection," said Waldrep. "These diseases develop only as a result of unprotected and uncontrolled ongoing occupational exposure to silica dust."

The Master of Stone program emerged from the industry's growing awareness of these risks. The initiative provides fabricators with professional guidelines, technical data sheets and educational videos through an online learning platform available in more than 12 languages at no cost.

"Caesarstone recognized the industry's growing need for education on crystalline silica matters," said Waldrep. "The Master of Stone program specifically emphasizes education efforts towards mitigating these risks."

The program has evolved into a comprehensive resource hub offering courses for both fabrication workers and managers worldwide. Caesarstone designed the training to be accessible, with short modules that can be completed at any time.

"Caesarstone's Master of Stone program consistently strives to raise awareness to professional and safety standards in the stone fabrication industry," said Waldrep. "Protecting fabricators and fostering a culture of safety, ensuring that you can work with confidence and peace of mind, starts with awareness and education, and that is what we offer."

The new Caesarstone ICON surfaces contain less than 1% crystalline silica and are composed of approximately 80% recycled materials. The company began a national U.S. rollout in May, transitioning 19 existing quartz products to the new silica-free formulation while introducing eight new designs.

Despite the material change, fabricators can continue using their existing tools and processes, though safety measures remain essential. Caesarstone provides additional continuing education resources specific to the ICON line through the Master of Stone platform.

"There is no health risk to the end user associated with silica from these materials," said Waldrep. "Surfaces like quartz are completely safe in both residential and commercial settings."

Fabricators and industry professionals can access the Master of Stone program at mos.caesarstoneus.com.