Background
In May 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published new guidance on working with engineered stone, alongside a nationwide inspection programme focused on exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). RCS can cause silicosis, a preventable but potentially fatal lung disease. The intervention followed the deaths of two young workers from silicosis and was informed by two years of HSE research and industry engagement.
Key findings
HSE’s research found that dry cutting engineered stone can create RCS exposures five to ten times higher than comparable wet-cutting methods. It also found that lower-silica engineered stone is available at the same quality as higher-silica alternatives, removing any practical justification for businesses to continue using more hazardous products where safer options are available.
Employer duties under the new guidance
For the first time, HSE has issued dedicated COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) guidance for engineered stone. The guidance makes clear that employers must:
switch to engineered stone with a low silica content;
use on-tool water suppression and control mist;
provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
carry out regular health surveillance.
The guidance is intended for those responsible for managing hazardous substances at work, including occupational health specialists and those carrying out COSHH assessments. It supports COSHH assessment preparation and review, training, and supervision of work involving hazardous substances, helping employers meet their duties under the COSHH Regulations.
Inspection and enforcement programme
The nationwide inspection programme is intended to support compliance with this guidance. HSE inspectors are expected to carry out more than 1,000 inspections across Great Britain over a 12-month period, with enforcement action taken against businesses that fail to meet the required standards.
At the end of July 2026, HSE confirmed that it had taken its first enforcement action following these inspections. Several companies were found to have serious failings in their control measures and were issued with prohibition notices requiring them to stop work immediately and take steps to improve safety. The failures identified included continued dry cutting, inadequate mist control, insufficient RPE and shortcomings in health surveillance.
It is important that all organisations adhere to the requirements in the guidance, comply with regulatory requirements and keep their workforce safe.
