Engineered Stone Dust: What the new HSE guidance means for businesses and worker safety
Published May 11, 2026
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new guidance aimed at protecting workers from the dangers of engineered stone dust exposure, following growing concerns around cases of silicosis linked to stone fabrication and processing.
The updated guidance makes clear that dry cutting of engineered stone is now considered “unacceptable”, with water suppression techniques expected to be used to meet legal requirements under COSHH regulations.
The announcement marks one of the HSE’s most significant interventions in the sector to date and will be backed by a nationwide inspection programme, with more than 1,000 workplace inspections planned across Great Britain over the next 12 months.
Why engineered stone dusk is a serious risk
Engineered stone, commonly used in kitchen and bathroom worktops, can contain up to 95% crystalline silica. When materials are cut, polished or processed, fine respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust can become airborne and inhaled by workers.
Exposure to silica dust can lead to serious and irreversible health conditions including:
Silicosis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Lung cancer
Kidney disease
Unlike traditional stone-related illnesses that may take decades to develop, recent cases linked to engineered stone have shown workers developing silicosis within months or years of exposure.
Silicosis is incurable - but entirely preventable.
What the HSE guidance says
Following two years of research and industry engagement, the HSE has introduced dedicated COSHH guidance specifically for engineered stone processing.
The guidance outlines several key expectations for employers, including:
Eliminating dry cutting methods
Using on-tool water suppression systems
Selecting lower silica-content engineered stone where possible
Providing suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
Carrying out regular health surveillance
Ensuring employees receive adequate information, instruction and training
The HSE’s research found that dry fabrication methods can expose workers to silica dust levels five to ten times higher than equivalent wet cutting processes.
Increased enforcement activity
The HSE has confirmed that inspectors are already carrying out visits to fabricators and businesses working with engineered stone materials.
Businesses failing to implement suitable controls may face enforcement action.
“Silicosis is incurable, but it is entirely preventable. No worker should lose their life to a lung disease caused by their job.”
The HSE has also stressed that businesses cutting corners not only place workers at risk but also undermine companies investing in proper health and safety standards.
More than compliance
While the guidance focuses heavily on engineering controls and safer working methods, it also highlights the importance of workplace culture, awareness and proactive risk management.
Employers should now be reviewing:
Dust control measures
COSHH assessments
RPE suitability and face fit testing
Worker training and awareness
Health surveillance arrangements
Maintenance and inspection processes
The new guidance highlights how occupational health risks can develop gradually and without obvious warning signs, reinforcing the importance of proactive prevention and early intervention.
It also brings renewed focus to employers’ wider legal responsibilities under health and safety law. Under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer must appoint one or more competent persons to support health and safety compliance - regardless of business size.
How SSG can support your business
We support businesses in managing occupational health and workplace safety risks through practical training, consultancy and compliance support.
Our services include:
COSHH training and support
Occupational health awareness
Health and safety consultancy
Risk assessments and safe systems of work
Workplace compliance training
Respiratory protective equipment awareness and Face fit courses
If your business works with engineered stone, silica-containing materials or dust-generating processes, now is the time to review your controls and ensure your teams are protected.