House Bill to Immunize Stone-Slab Makers Sparks Worker-Safety Debate

A House Judiciary subcommittee examined H.R. 5437, a proposed bill that would shield artificial stone slab manufacturers from lawsuits over workers’ silicosis. Republicans framed it as protecting industry from abusive litigation, while Democrats warned that silicosis is a growing, preventable health crisis for workers. Experts cautioned that granting immunity could worsen injuries, citing California data showing widespread cases and urging stronger safety measures and OSHA enforcement. The debate underscores tensions between limiting litigation and safeguarding workers in the engineered-stone sector.