HSE Says No Dry Cutting of Engineered Stone as Inspections Ramp Up

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today published new guidance to protect workers from the dangers of engineered stone dust – including silicosis, a deadly-but-preventable lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust released during stone cutting.

Backed up by a nationwide inspection programme, the guidance makes clear that dry cutting of engineered stone is ‘unacceptable’ and that water suppression techniques are how businesses should meet the legal requirement.

Over the next 12 months, HSE inspectors will conduct more than 1,000 visits to fabricators across Great Britain, with enforcement action taken against those failing to meet the required standards. The first inspections are already underway.

HSE Intervention

The deaths of two young workers from silicosis in recent years prompted calls for action on engineered stone cutting from MPs, trade unions, and medical professionals.

In response to these emerging cases, HSE undertook a two-year process of research and industry engagement and has concluded that the most effective and proportionate action is to make sure proper controls are in place and actively enforced.

The research found that dry fabrication typically results in exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) five to ten times higher than wet methods using equivalent tools. It also found that lower-content silica engineered stone is available at the same quality, removing any reason for businesses not to switch to less dangerous products. On the back of this evidence, HSE is acting decisively to ensure those controls become universal across the industry.

The Dangers of Engineered Stone Dust

Engineered stone, widely used in kitchen and bathroom worktops, can contain up to 95% crystalline silica. Unlike natural stone, where silica-related disease typically takes decades to develop, recent cases have suggested that exposure to engineered stone dust can cause silicosis in a matter of months or years. Workers can suffer permanent and irreversible lung damage before experiencing any symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, it may be too late.

To provide clarity to businesses and workers, HSE has published its first-ever COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) guidance sheet specifically for engineered stone.

The guidance sets out in plain English the legal requirements employers must follow:

• Switch to engineered stone with a low silica content
• Use on-tool water suppression
• Provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
• Carry out regular health surveillance

Mike Calcutt, Deputy Director in HSE’s Engagement and Policy Division, said: “Today’s guidance marks our most significant intervention in the engineered stone sector to date, and not without good reason.

“Silicosis is incurable, but it is entirely preventable. No worker should lose their life to a lung disease caused by their job, and that is why we have taken this action.

“We have spent the past two years conducting extensive research and industry engagement to understand the scale of this risk. What we found was stark. Many businesses are not putting the right controls in place, they are still using engineered stone with high silica content, and dry cutting, which must stop.

“To every employer in this sector: the guidance is now published, the expectations are clear, and our inspectors are coming. Those who are cutting corners are not just putting their workers at risk — they are undercutting the businesses doing things properly. We will create a level playing field.

“To workers handling engineered stone: know your rights and know the controls that should be keeping you safe. If you have concerns, contact HSE.”

Workers or employers with concerns about the level of controls in their workplace can contact HSE on 0300 003 1647 or visit HSE online. Those concerned about their own health should seek medical advice.

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