In light of growing concerns about the rise in silicosis cases among California’s workforce, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has asked the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) to conduct an in-depth study and collect data on silicosis claims over the past decade.

The initiative aims to better understand the implications of occupational diseases to ensure that affected workers obtain their legitimate rights.

Silicosis, an irreversible lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, has become a major health hazard, especially among workers who handle engineered stone countertops.

In his letter to the Wisconsin Wage Review Board, Lara emphasized the urgent need to address this issue and detailed the specific data requested. He requested information on the number of pulmonary tuberculosis cases reported in the past decade, the average age of individuals filing claims, and the rates of acceptance and denial of those claims.

In addition, he sought details on the average costs related to medical care, temporary disability, and permanent disability for these claims, the average expenses allocated to loss adjustment, and the average number of insurers involved in each claim.

“There is growing concern that cases of this devastating disease are increasing, yet these workers may face challenges in obtaining the workers’ compensation benefits to which they are entitled,” the insurance commissioner wrote.

“I believe we need to understand the scope and impact of these cases more in order to ensure that the interests of these hardworking individuals are effectively protected.

Lara also noted in the letter: “I have full confidence that WCIRB will gather the best possible data and information to further assist my department in better understanding the scope of this serious issue as we consider further decisions to help those workers affected by this disease.”

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