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HSE has published new guidance on working safely with engineered stone to help protect workers from exposure to silica dust.
The guidance applies to anyone cutting, grinding or polishing engineered stone, including kitchen and bathroom worktop fitters and fabricators.
Engineered stone can contain very high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Breathing in contaminated dust can cause serious and irreversible lung diseases, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Evidence shows dry cutting can result in significantly higher exposure to RCS than wet methods.
What the guidance says
The COSHH guidance for engineered stone sets out latest guidance for employers:
- switch to low silica engineered stone
- use on-tool water suppression and control mist - no dry cutting
- provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
- carry out regular health surveillance
HSE inspectors will also carry out more than 1,000 inspections of engineered stone fabricators across Great Britain, with enforcement action taken where risks are not properly controlled.
To find out more, you can:
3 to 4 June 2026, NEC Birmingham
HSE will be exhibiting and speaking at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event as part of ongoing work to tackle occupational asthma caused by exposure to isocyanates.
Each year, many skilled vehicle paint sprayers develop occupational asthma due to exposure to isocyanates, forcing them to leave their profession permanently. HSE is carrying out inspections across Great Britain to check how motor vehicle repair businesses are managing this risk.
Employers must ensure exposure is prevented or adequately controlled, and that workers receive appropriate health surveillance and biological monitoring.
On 4 June in the Business Management Theatre, HSE’s Stephen Green, an HM Inspector of Health and Safety and David Towler, a Chartered Occupational Hygienist, will speak about ‘What to expect when the inspector calls’. They will cover:
- what to expect during an HSE inspection
- findings from recent inspection activity
- the consequences of non-compliance
- control measures required during spray painting operations
You can visit the HSE stand at the event to speak to our team and access practical advice by registering for your free ticket.
Guidance on working safely with isocyanates, including resources to help you comply with the law and protect workers, can be found on the Work Right website.
Mental Health Awareness Week (11 to 17 May) was a reminder that preventing work-related stress starts with everyday management, good work design and regular conversations.
Early action can help to prevent pressure from building into more serious problems and support healthier, more resilient teams.
This month, we shared a new Working Minds video highlighting how simple conversations and practical support can help employers identify issues early and prevent stress from escalating.
The video reinforces the campaign’s 5 Rs approach: Recognise, Reach out, Respond, Reflect and make it Routine – encouraging employers and managers to make prevention part of everyday practice.
HSE’s Working Minds campaign also offers free tools, guidance and training to help employers prevent work-related stress and support mental health conversations.
Regular conversations and early action can help prevent problems escalating and support healthier, more productive workplaces.
Asbestos control limit review published
HSE has published its review of the latest international scientific, technical and workplace evidence relating to Great Britain’s asbestos control limit.
Following the review, HSE concluded that the current control limit will remain unchanged at 0.1 fibres per millilitre (f/ml), measured as a 4-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
The review found there is currently no clear evidence that lowering the control limit in law would further reduce exposures or improve health outcomes.
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