{"id":2289,"date":"2026-05-11T08:41:20","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T08:41:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/?p=2289"},"modified":"2026-05-11T08:41:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T08:41:20","slug":"hse-says-no-dry-cutting-of-engineered-stone-ahead-of-inspection-crackdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/?p=2289","title":{"rendered":"HSE\u202fsays\u202fno dry cutting of engineered stone ahead of inspection crackdown\u202f"},"content":{"rendered":"

Landmark guidance issued for first time as regulator responds to\u00a0silicosis\u00a0deaths of young workers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dry cutting declared unacceptable and water suppression\u00a0confirmed\u00a0as legal\u00a0requirement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Enforcement measures ramped up with the first of over 1,000 inspections already underway\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today announced a major package of measures 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.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The package includes the publication of new\u00a0<\/span>guidance<\/span><\/a>\u00a0making clear that dry cutting of engineered stone is unacceptable and that water suppression techniques, already used by many industry leaders,\u00a0are how\u00a0businesses\u00a0should meet the\u00a0legal requirement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The guidance, launched ahead of this week\u2019s Stone & Surfaces Show of industry leaders and tradespeople, will be\u00a0backed-up\u00a0by\u00a0a\u00a0nationwide inspection programme. 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\u00a0failing\u00a0to meet\u00a0the required standards. The first inspections are already underway.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0at the same quality, removing any reason for businesses not to\u00a0switch to less dangerous products. On the back of this evidence,\u00a0HSE is acting decisively to ensure those controls become universal across the industry.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To provide clarity to businesses and workers, HSE has published its first-ever COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)\u00a0<\/span>guidance sheet<\/span><\/a>\u00a0specifically for engineered stone. The guidance sets out in plain English what employers must do: switch to engineered stone with a low silica content; use\u00a0on-tool\u00a0water suppression, control mist; provide\u00a0appropriate respiratory\u00a0protective equipment (RPE); and carry out regular health surveillance. These are legal requirements.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mike Calcutt, Deputy Director in HSE\u2019s Engagement and Policy Division, said:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s guidance marks our most significant intervention in the engineered stone sector to date, and not without good reason.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSilicosis 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have spent the past two years conducting extensive research and industry engagement to understand the scale of this risk. What we found was stark.\u00a0Many businesses are not putting the right controls in place, they are still using engineered stone with high silica content,\u00a0and\u00a0dry cutting,\u00a0which\u00a0must stop.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo 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 \u2014 they are undercutting the businesses doing things properly. We will create a level playing field.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo workers handling engineered stone: know your rights and know the controls that should be keeping you safe. If you have concerns, contact HSE.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Engineered stone, widely used in kitchen and bathroom worktops, can\u00a0contain\u00a0up 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvery worker deserves to come home safe, without fear of losing their life to a preventable, deadly lung disease caused by their job.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis new guidance gives businesses clear, unambiguous instructions on what the law requires, and this spring and summer HSE will carry out more than 1,000 inspections across the industry to make sure those standards are enforced, and the lives of workers protected.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kevin Bampton,\u00a0Chief Executive Officer\u00a0of the British Occupational Hygiene Society, said:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhile the cause of headline-grabbing acute silicosis lies with businesses which blatantly flout the law and exploit workers, HSE\u2019s revised guidance provides much-needed clarity for the mainstream industry and for the professionals supporting it. As the UK\u2019s leading scientific organization on health protection in the workplace, we are grateful to HSE\u2019s science team for addressing previously unanswered questions about the effectiveness of controls. The guidance reflects this evidence base and brings clarity to what is needed to help protect workers.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nigel Fletcher,\u00a0Operations Officer\u00a0at the\u00a0Worktop Fabricators Federation, said:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe welcome HSE\u2019s new guidance, which clarifies what good control looks like when working with engineered stone. The WFF is committed to advancing worker safety in the fabrication industry by training and education of control measures, reducing dust exposure, and addressing other critical hazards.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cConsumers and designers can be assured that WFF membership signifies responsible practices that ensure worker well-being throughout the process, which is why we created the WFF quality mark. Only fabricators meeting rigorous standards will be granted permission to display the WFF quality mark. More than a logo, it demonstrates a company\u2019s commitment to health and safety and reflects their investment in resources and dedication to reputable practices.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The inspection campaign forms part of HSE\u2019s wider programme of work in the sector running through 2026 to 2027, which\u00a0includes continued engagement with employers and trade bodies to drive compliance and raise awareness of legal duties.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Workers or employers with concerns about the level of controls in their workplace can contact HSE on 0300 003 1647 or visit hse.gov.uk. If they are concerned about their own\u00a0health\u00a0they should seek medical advice.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ends<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Notes to editors:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain\u2019s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and\u00a0places, and\u00a0helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

HSE\u2019s new guidance for engineered stone outlines the controls that should be in place when working with the material, which effectively rules out dry-cutting, unless businesses can\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0an equally effective or better control is in place. This is not a new law, or a formal prohibition as would be achieved\u00a0with changes to legislation<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The new COSHH guidance for engineered stone is available at hse.gov.uk<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/stonemasonry\/working-engineered-stone-control-silica-risk.htm<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust is invisible to the naked eye and can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

HSE\u2019s 1,000+ inspection programme begins May\/June 2026 and runs through the 2026\/27 period.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

HSE is also working with manufacturers,\u00a0suppliers\u00a0and importers to encourage the supply of lower-silica engineered stone products, which research\u00a0indicates\u00a0are\u00a0a viable\u00a0alternative to high-silica materials. Manufacturers have a legal duty under Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to provide adequate information about the risks associated with their products and the controls\u00a0required\u00a0to work with them safely.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Further details on the latest HSE news releases are available at hse.gov.uk.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Landmark guidance issued for first time as regulator responds to\u00a0silicosis\u00a0deaths of young workers\u00a0 Dry cutting declared unacceptable and water suppression\u00a0confirmed\u00a0as legal\u00a0requirement.\u00a0\u00a0 Enforcement measures ramped up with the first of over 1,000 inspections already underway\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today announced a major package of measures to protect workers from the dangers of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2289"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2289"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2289\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2289"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.safetyphoto.co.uk\/safety_news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}