{"id":274258,"date":"2026-01-27T07:51:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T11:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/english-brayton-purcell-llp-releases-new-podcast-episode-examining-cal-osha-testimony-and-federal-hr-5437-hearing\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T09:10:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T13:10:02","slug":"brayton-purcell-llp-lanza-un-nuevo-episodio-de-podcast-que-examina-el-testimonio-de-cal-osha-y-la-audiencia-federal-hr-5437","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/brayton-purcell-llp-lanza-un-nuevo-episodio-de-podcast-que-examina-el-testimonio-de-cal-osha-y-la-audiencia-federal-hr-5437\/","title":{"rendered":"Brayton Purcell LLP Releases New Podcast Episode Examining Cal\/OSHA Testimony and Federal HR 5437 Hearing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n\/* Style Definitions *\/\nspan.prnews_span\n{\nfont-size:8pt;\nfont-family:\"Arial\";\ncolor:black;\n}\na.prnews_a\n{\ncolor:blue;\n}\nli.prnews_li\n{\nfont-size:8pt;\nfont-family:\"Arial\";\ncolor:black;\n}\np.prnews_p\n{\nfont-size:0.62em;\nfont-family:\"Arial\";\ncolor:black;\nmargin:0in;\n}\n\n]]><\/style>\n<div class=\"xn-content\">\n<p><span class=\"legendSpanClass\">NOVATO, Calif.<\/span>, <span class=\"legendSpanClass\">Jan. 27, 2026<\/span> \/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE\/ &#8212; Brayton Purcell LLP has announced the release of <b><a href=\"https:\/\/edge.prnewswire.com\/c\/link\/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4603665-1&amp;h=4046545723&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DaV4kZIWGGCA%26list%3DPLjIRdv7qKToB4sFSPbQC0e8q-NISDJSvx%26index%3D1&amp;a=Episode+11\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Episode 11<\/a><\/b> of its podcast, <b><i><a href=\"https:\/\/edge.prnewswire.com\/c\/link\/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4603665-1&amp;h=757632665&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fplaylist%3Flist%3DPLjIRdv7qKToB4sFSPbQC0e8q-NISDJSvx&amp;a=From+Dust+to+Verdict\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">From Dust to Verdict<\/a><\/i><\/b>, providing an in\u2011depth look at two significant governmental hearings addressing the rapidly escalating public\u2011health crisis linked to artificial stone countertop fabrication. The episode highlights testimony presented before the <b>Cal\/OSHA Standards Board<\/b> and the <b>U.S. House Subcommittee reviewing HR 5437<\/b>, a bill that would eliminate legal accountability for foreign crystalline silica artificial stone slab manufacturers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"prni_dvprnejpg55d7left\" dir=\"ltr\" style=\"width: 100%; text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"prnejpg55d7left\" title=\"From Dust to Verdict podcast with host James Nevin of Brayton Purcell LLP\" src=\"https:\/\/mma.prnewswire.com\/media\/2869882\/BRAYTON_From_Dust_to_Verdict_podcast.jpg\" alt=\"From Dust to Verdict podcast with host James Nevin of Brayton Purcell LLP\" align=\"middle\"\/><\/div>\n<p><b>Cal\/OSHA Hearing Spotlights Critical Scientific Testimony<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The January 15, 2026 Cal OSHA Standards Board meeting focused on the rising epidemic of silicosis among fabrication workers exposed to crystalline silica artificial stone. Despite submitting the petition at issue, the <b>Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association (WOEMA)<\/b>\u2014a group of more than 600 occupational medicine physicians\u2014was not permitted a full presentation. In contrast, the Board allowed a lengthy counter-presentation from ISFA, a trade group representing foreign slab manufacturers, distributors, and equipment suppliers.<\/p>\n<p>In the episode, <b>James Nevin<\/b>, host and partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, details his own limited two\u2011minute testimony emphasizing that the firm represents approximately <b>500 California fabrication workers<\/b>, all of whom support WOEMA&#8217;s petition. Nevin explains that crystalline silica artificial silica consists of uniquely toxic nano\u2011sized particles (at least 90% silica) combined with additional toxic metals and resins. This combination has been repeatedly shown to create hazards that cannot be controlled adequately for human fabrication, even in shops with the most advanced engineering and safety systems.<\/p>\n<p>Cal\/OSHA medical experts testified that more than <b>half of California fabrication shops<\/b> have documented silicosis cases. Testimony from occupational medicine physician <b>Dr. Robert Blink<\/b> and Cal\/OSHA scientific staff confirmed that artificial stone is <b>inherently more dangerous than natural stone<\/b> due to particle size, chemical structure, and toxicity. According to testimony, safely working with artificial stone would require &#8220;Level A&#8221; encapsulated hazmat suits\u2014equipment not feasible for fabrication environments.<\/p>\n<p><b>Federal HR 5437 Hearing Raises National Concerns<\/b><\/p>\n<p>On January 14, 2026, a federal hearing examined <b>HR 5437<\/b>, legislation that would shield foreign artificial stone slab manufacturers from civil lawsuits brought by U.S. workers diagnosed with silicosis. The episode highlights testimony from <b>Dr. David Michaels<\/b>, former Assistant Secretary of OSHA and highly regarded epidemiologist, who described artificial stone fabrication as one of the most hazardous industries in the country. Dr. Michaels warned that prohibiting lawsuits would eliminate incentives for manufacturers to address the dangers associated with their products.<\/p>\n<p>Members of Congress, including <b>Representative Jamie Raskin<\/b> and <b>Representative Hank Johnson<\/b>, offered forceful statements expressing deep concern for affected workers. They noted that many young workers now require double\u2011lung transplants and emphasized that silicosis linked to artificial stone fabrication is entirely preventable. Their testimony highlighted that artificial stone&#8217;s nano\u2011sized particles and VOC\u2011laden structure make it uniquely dangerous compared to natural stone.<\/p>\n<p>To watch and listen to <b><i><a href=\"https:\/\/edge.prnewswire.com\/c\/link\/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4603665-1&amp;h=3720593128&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fplaylist%3Flist%3DPLjIRdv7qKToB4sFSPbQC0e8q-NISDJSvx&amp;a=From+Dust+to+Verdict%2C+click+here.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">From Dust to Verdict, click here.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Call for Action<\/b><\/p>\n<p>In the episode, Nevin urges the public to contact the <b>Cal\/OSHA Standards Board<\/b> and <b>California<\/b> <b>Governor Gavin Newsom<\/b> to support WOEMA&#8217;s petition to prohibit crystalline silica artificial stone in California. He also encourages outreach to congressional representatives to oppose <b>HR 5437<\/b>, which would restrict the rights of workers and families seeking accountability from foreign artificial stone manufacturers.<\/p>\n<p><b>About\u00a0Brayton Purcell LLP<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Brayton Purcell LLP is a nationally recognized law firm with decades of experience advocating on behalf of individuals and families harmed by toxic exposures, including those impacted by artificial stone. The firm remains committed to public education, transparency, and accountability within industries linked to hazardous materials.<\/p>\n<p>Media contact:<br \/>Nolan Lowry<br \/><a href=\"mailto:nlowry@braytonlaw.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">nlowry@braytonlaw.com<\/a><br \/>415-399-3107<\/p>\n<div id=\"prni_dvprnejpgede3left\" dir=\"ltr\" style=\"width: 100%; text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"prnejpgede3left\" title=\"Brayton Purcell, LLP--Attorneys Helping People Providing excellent service to our clients is the highest goal of Brayton Purcell LLP. We pledge to work ceaselessly on your behalf, providing exceptional advocacy and unparalleled responsiveness. The compassion for and dedication to our clients can be witnessed both in and out of the courtroom. With compassion, dedication and a fierce pursuit of justice, we have secured record rulings for victims of diseases caused by the failure of manufacturers.\" src=\"https:\/\/mma.prnewswire.com\/media\/2389282\/bp_blue_logo_Logo.jpg\" alt=\"Brayton Purcell, LLP--Attorneys Helping People Providing excellent service to our clients is the highest goal of Brayton Purcell LLP. We pledge to work ceaselessly on your behalf, providing exceptional advocacy and unparalleled responsiveness. The compassion for and dedication to our clients can be witnessed both in and out of the courtroom. With compassion, dedication and a fierce pursuit of justice, we have secured record rulings for victims of diseases caused by the failure of manufacturers.\" align=\"middle\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Photo &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/edge.prnewswire.com\/c\/link\/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4603665-1&amp;h=3985853850&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fmma.prnewswire.com%2Fmedia%2F2869882%2FBRAYTON_From_Dust_to_Verdict_podcast.jpg&amp;a=https%3A%2F%2Fmma.prnewswire.com%2Fmedia%2F2869882%2FBRAYTON_From_Dust_to_Verdict_podcast.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/mma.prnewswire.com\/media\/2869882\/BRAYTON_From_Dust_to_Verdict_podcast.jpg<\/a>\u00a0<br \/>Logo &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/edge.prnewswire.com\/c\/link\/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4603665-1&amp;h=2467210419&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fmma.prnewswire.com%2Fmedia%2F2389282%2Fbp_blue_logo_Logo.jpg&amp;a=https%3A%2F%2Fmma.prnewswire.com%2Fmedia%2F2389282%2Fbp_blue_logo_Logo.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/mma.prnewswire.com\/media\/2389282\/bp_blue_logo_Logo.jpg<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"xn-content\">\n<p><span class=\"legendSpanClass\">NOVATO, Calif.<\/span>, <span class=\"legendSpanClass\">Jan. 27, 2026<\/span> \/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE\/ &#8212; Brayton Purcell LLP has announced the release of <b><a href=\"https:\/\/edge.prnewswire.com\/c\/link\/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4603665-1&amp;h=4046545723&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DaV4kZIWGGCA%26list%3DPLjIRdv7qKToB4sFSPbQC0e8q-NISDJSvx%26index%3D1&amp;a=Episode+11\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Episode 11<\/a><\/b> of its podcast, <b><i>&lt;a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":274260,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-274258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gobierno-y-politica"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=274258"}],"version-history":[{"count":"1","href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274258\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":274261,"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274258\/revisions\/274261"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/274260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=274258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=274258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hispanicprwire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=274258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}