Silica/OSHA Enforcement: Pennsylvania Brick Manufacturer Cited for Alleged Violations
September 30, 2026
By:
Walter G. Wright
Category:
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
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The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued an August 26th news release stating it had cited General Shale Brick Inc., d/b/a Watsontown Brick Company (“GSB”), for three willful and four serious violations for allegedly knowingly exposing its workers to unsafe levels of respirable silica dust.
GSB is a Pennsylvania brick manufacturer.
The GSB facility is stated to have been inspected on February 12th as part of OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting inspection plan and national emphasis program on silica.
OSHA is stated to have determined workers in Plant 3 (where molded brick is made) allegedly breathed in silica dust above safe limits.
OSHA allegedly determined that the company:
- Failed to test workers' respirator fit each year.
- Did not establish regulated areas where employees are exposed to silica.
- Did not check silica exposure levels for all silica-involved jobs.
- Did not provide required medical exams for workers exposed to silica for more than 30 days a year.
Penalties of $496,528 are proposed.
GSB has 15 business days from receipt of its citation to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
A copy of the news release can be found here.
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