This free course is designed and created by the California Department of Public Health to educate healthcare providers about silicosis among countertop fabrication workers. Through this course, participants will gain valuable insight into the occupational hazards associated with silica dust exposure and learn about how to evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients with silicosis.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this activities, the learner will be able to:
Describe the potential health effects of respirable crystalline silica exposure. · Identify patients at risk of silicosis.
- Describe the silica hazards associated with countertop fabrication work and recent cases of silicosis in this industry.
- Summarize medical surveillance requirements for patients exposed to silica and understand their limitations.
- Describe how to diagnose silicosis and identify appropriate clinical actions following a suspected or confirmed silicosis diagnosis.
- Understand the unique vulnerabilities of workers in the countertop fabrication industry, due to factors such as immigration status, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, and develop strategies for addressing these concern in partnership with patients.
CME Disclosure:
ACCME defines a commercial interest as any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients. This definition exempts non-profit or government organizations; non-health care related companies; liability and health insurance providers; group medical practices; and for-profit hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. Speakers who have indicated an affiliation with organizations that have interests related to the content of this program. Per SCERC policy, these potential conflicts of interest have been resolved.
Several presenters are employees of exempt organizations. While there is no conflict of interest in the content of their presentations, to avoid the appearance of promoting a commercial interest, they have removed all references to their companies from their presentations aside from copyright notations and organizational affiliation listing.
All faculty members and Planning Committee members have indicated that they do not have an affiliation with organizations which have interests related to the content of this program.
Additional Resources:
- The CDPH Occupational Health Branch silica website includes additional information for providers, as well as resources for workers and employers.
- The Cal/OSHA website has additional information about silica standard requirements.
Certificate:
To receive CME certification, participants must complete the full training. After completing the course, please complete the address verification course and send it to erc@ph.ucla.edu.
