HSE has taken its first enforcement action as part of the nationwide inspection programme to protect workers from silica dust.

Several businesses have received prohibition notices requiring them to stop work immediately and take steps to improve safety. 

What inspectors found 

Following visits by HSE inspectors, a number of companies were found to have serious failures in the control measures needed to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica (RCS). The failures identified included: 

• dry cutting still taking place and lack of on-tool water suppression 

• insufficient mist control 

• inadequate or absent respiratory protective equipment (RPE) 

• failures in health surveillance 

• machinery guarding issues
  

Inspections are continuing across Great Britain 

HSE inspectors are conducting more than 1,000 visits to fabricators across Great Britain throughout 2026 and enforcement action will be taken where businesses are not meeting the required standards. 

Why this matters 

Engineered stone is widely used for kitchen worktops and bathroom vanity surfaces and can contain as much as 90% RCS. If the dust is inhaled, it can cause devastating lung diseases including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.  

What the research says 

Although irreversible, these diseases are preventable with the right controls.  

HSE undertook a 2-year process of research and industry engagement and found that dry fabrication typically results in exposure to RCS 5 to 10 times higher than wet methods using equivalent tools. It also found that lower-content silica engineered stone is available at the same quality.