Background - Exposure to crystalline silica dust is one of the oldest occupational exposures, due to its presence in many construction materials. However, it remains a current concern, particularly since work involving exposure to crystalline silica has been classified as carcinogenic in France since January 1, 2021. To provide up-to-date exposure indicators, Santé publique France has updated its occupation-exposure matrix (OEM) specific to crystalline silica dust as part of the program to generate occupational exposure indicators for the general workforce using occupation-exposure matrices (Matgéné). Method - This JEM was updated to cover the most recent periods and then cross-referenced with the various population censuses available between 1982 and 2017. The number and proportion of exposed workers, by sex and worker status (salaried or non-salaried), were estimated. Results - Between 1982 and 2017, the number of workers exposed to silica in France fell from 1,400,000 (6.2%) to 975,000 (4%). In 2017, the majority of exposed workers were men (93%) working in construction or in jobs related to construction work, whether they were employees or self-employed. Women (65,000 exposed as of that date) have a slightly different exposure profile, working notably more in the ceramic and porcelain manufacturing sectors. Conclusion - Before work involving exposure to crystalline silica was added to the list of carcinogenic substances or processes, a significant number of workers were exposed to crystalline silica. Furthermore, substituting this hazard is complex in many sectors where work involving silica exposure is performed on materials already in place. It therefore appears necessary to continue monitoring this exposure at the population level.