Preventing lung diseases with new HSE dust management policies

Following the deaths of two workers from silicosis, a deadly lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust released during dry stone cutting, the HSE is taking a stronger stance on dust management. This HSE campaign comes as a result from the calls of action from MPs, trade unions, and medical professionals. A key element regarding silicosis is that while incurable, it is entirely preventable.

As a result, HSE has declared that dry cutting engineered stone is unacceptable, and that water suppression should be used as a legal requirement. Using dry fabrication instead of wet methods typically causes five-to-ten times higher respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure as adding moisture makes the dust settle rather than disperse into the air.

Engineered stone is artificial stone manufactured with crushed natural stone and minerals, bonded together with resin, typically used in kitchen and bathroom worktops, and can contain as much as 95% crystalline silica, with dust created when cutting or drilling.

RCS is a fine dust consisting of silica particles small enough to be inhaled into the lungs and is produced when working with engineered stone. As well as silicosis, RCS can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

Unlike natural stone which takes decades to lead to silica-related diseases, recent cases have shown that exposure to engineered stone dust can cause silicosis in only a handful of years or even months. It is suggested that businesses switch to engineered stone with lower silica content, as there is engineered stone available at the same quality but less dangerous to workers.

HSE has published a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) guidance sheet for engineered stone. It outlines the requirements to switch to low silica content engineered stone, use on-tool water suppression, provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE), and carry out regular health surveillance.

The new guidance is enforced with a nationwide inspection programme taking place throughout 2026 and 2027. Over a year of inspections, HSE are conducting more than 1,000 visits to fabricators across the UK, with action taken against any businesses failing to meet the required dust management standards and cutting requirements. These inspections are part of HSE’s wider work in 2026/27 involving a continuous engagement programme with employers and trade bodies to drive compliance and raise awareness of legal duties.

Permanent and irreversible lung damage can be experienced before any symptoms of silicosis emerge, by which point it could already be too late.