HSE has published new guidance aimed at protecting workers who cut, grind or polish engineered stone, commonly used for kitchen and bathroom worktops.
Working with engineered stone can generate high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), exposure to which can cause serious and irreversible lung disease including silicosis, COPD and lung cancer.
HSE’s guidance makes clear that dry cutting of engineered stone is unacceptable unless an employer can demonstrate an equally effective or better method of controlling exposure. Employers are expected to use appropriate controls including:
- choosing engineered stone with lower silica content where possible;
- on-tool water suppression;
- suitable respiratory protective equipment;
- effective control of contaminated mist and dust;
- good cleaning and housekeeping; and
- appropriate health surveillance for exposed workers.
This is not new legislation. The duties already exist under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), but HSE has significantly strengthened its guidance and enforcement activity in this area.
HSE also launched a nationwide inspection programme involving more than 1,000 visits during 2026/27, and enforcement action has already been taken where inadequate controls were identified.
What should organisations do?
Businesses involved in fabricating or installing engineered stone should review their COSHH assessments, working methods, dust-control arrangements, RPE and health-surveillance programmes against the new HSE guidance.
Further information: HSE – Working with engineered stone: control silica risk
