Tuesday 23rd June, 2026
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a major inspection programme targeting businesses working with engineered stone, alongside publishing new guidance making clear that dry cutting engineered stone is “unacceptable” and does not meet legal health and safety requirements.
For employers and employees involved in stone fabrication, installation, construction, fit-out works, or refurbishment projects, this is a significant development that cannot be ignored.
Why Is The HSE Taking Action?
Engineered stone, commonly used for kitchen and bathroom worktops, can contain up to 95% crystalline silica. When materials are cut, drilled, polished, or ground, extremely fine silica dust is released into the air. This dust is often invisible to the naked eye but can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled.
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause serious and life-changing health conditions, including:
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
Unlike natural stone, where silica exposure may take decades to cause illness or silica-related disease, recent cases linked to engineered stone have shown workers developing silicosis within just months or years of exposure.
Concerns over the tragic deaths of two young workers from silicosis in recent years, and the health impact of silica dust exposure, has prompted the HSE to act. After two years of research and collaboration with industry, new guidance has been published to help employers better protect their workforce.
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
The HSE's Clear Message: No Dry Cutting
The most significant element of the new guidance is the HSE's clear position that dry cutting of engineered stone is unacceptable.
Following extensive research and industry engagement, the HSE has stated that employers must assess and use effective control measures when processing engineered stone, with on-tool water suppression when cutting now considered the primary method of dust control.
The new guidance requires employers to:
These are not simply best practice recommendations, they form part of employers' legal duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.
Inspection Programme Already Underway
To support enforcement of these requirements, the HSE has launched a 12-month inspection initiative targeting approximately 1,000 visits to engineered stone fabricators across Great Britain. Inspectors will be assessing whether businesses have adequate controls in place to manage silica dust risks and protect workers from exposure.
The first inspections are already underway, and where serious failings are identified, enforcement action may follow.
For many organisations, this inspection programme will serve as a reminder that occupational health risks deserve the same level of attention as more visible workplace hazards.
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
What Should Employers Do Now?
If your organisation works with engineered stone or carries out activities that generate silica dust, now is the time to review your arrangements.
Ask yourself:
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
If the answer to any of these questions is "no" or "not sure", action should be taken immediately.
Dust Awareness eLearning
One of the biggest challenges with silica dust is that workers often cannot see the danger. Unlike many workplace hazards, exposure can occur daily without any immediate symptoms, while long-term damage is silently developing.
That's why awareness training is a critical part of any dust control strategy.
At TEAM Safety Services, our Dust Awareness eLearning course helps employees understand:
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
By ensuring your workforce understands the risks and the controls required, you can help prevent occupational illness, support legal compliance, and create a safer working environment for everyone.
Need Support?
If your business would like support with dust risk assessments, COSHH compliance, or workplace training, contact TEAM Safety Services today.
Protecting workers from silica dust isn't just about passing an inspection, it's about preventing life-changing illnesses before they occur.
Share this post:
Most organisations provide health and safety training. Employees complete inductions, courses are attended, certificates are issued, records are stored; but there is a much more important question to ask: Is the training actually working? In this month’s blog, we share what you should be considering and checking to ensure your workforce is competent and confident.
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on what has already been an incredibly busy and rewarding year for TEAM Safety Services. In this month’s blog, we share some of our highlights from 2026 so far.
As temperatures begin to rise across the UK, many organisations will focus on keeping buildings cool and comfortable. However, summer conditions can also create the perfect environment for Legionella bacteria to grow, particularly within water systems and air conditioning units.
Understanding this seasonal risk is essential for anyone responsible for managing buildings, facilities, or water systems.
Sign up to recieve news, training and advice straight to your inbox
Got a question?
Call us on: 0800 0283668
Email us: info@teamsafetyservices.com
Give your business a Safety Net
For a simple all-in-one health and safety package take a look at our "Safety Net" packages from TEAM Safety Service today.
© 2023 Team Safety Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Company No: 07069072. VAT No: GB994972249