Engineered Stone: HSE launches campaign to control silica dust risk

The Health and Safety Executive have launched a campaign tackling occupational lung disease amongst workers where exposure to silica dust is prevalent as a result of working with engineered stone. As of May 11th 2026, dry cutting engineered stone is now considered unacceptable, and water suppression systems must be used (alongside other measures) to be compliant under COSHH regulations.

Talk to a Croner Health and Safety expert to get FREE professional advice on employer responsibilities under COSHH. Call today on: 01455 858 132.

• What is engineered stone?
• Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
• Employers’ legal requirements
• Get expert advice on COSHH from a Croner Health and Safety expert.

As well as water suppression as a control measure being put in place, the research conducted by the HSE showcases that the use of lower silica content engineered stone, reduces the risk to workers without compromising on the quality of the finished product.

The HSE aims to inspect an initial 1000 employers over the next 12 months for compliance in accordance with the new legislation, and has provided the first ever COSHH guidance sheets, specifically for those organisations working with engineered stone.

Mike Calcutt, Deputy Director in HSE’s Engagement and Policy Division stated:

"The guidance is now published, the expectations are clear, and our inspectors are coming. Those who are cutting corners are not just putting their workers at risk — they are undercutting the businesses doing things properly."

What is engineered stone?

Engineered stone, a compound made of crushed natural stone and minerals that have been bonded together to form a solid block of artificial stone. Like regular stone when cutting or drilling engineered stone it creates dust, however the issue with engineered stone is, that the silica dust created when working with it, is so fine that it can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled.

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS)

The dust created by working engineered stone is known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS), and can cause irreparable damage to the lungs, causing a serious and potentially fatal lung condition called silicosis. Silicosis causes severe inflammation of the lungs and over time this results in permanent scarring (pulmonary fibrosis), which is incurable.

Unlike more typical silica-related lung conditions, the onset of Silicosis caused by the inhalation of dust created by engineered stone is much more rapid. Symptoms can become apparent in as little as a few months to a couple of years, and once the condition has developed it can worsen, even after exposure to respirable crystalline silica has stopped.

The only way to prevent exposure to RCS dust is to employ on tool water suppression systems when working with the material and to ensure appropriate respiratory PPE equipment is provided and worn correctly.

Employers’ legal requirements

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), employers must perform a risk assessment and control the risk to workers' caused by exposure to RCS. Under the new guidance, control measures include:

• Using water suppression when working with engineered stone.
• Working with stone that has a lower content of crystalline silica.
• Controlling the mist caused by water suppression, as this also contains crystalline silica.
• Employing the use of powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) with an assigned protection factor (APF) of a minimum of 20.
• Reviewing control measures regularly to ensure their effectiveness.
• Provide health surveillance for those workers regularly exposed to RCS dust.
• Ensure the work area is cleaned thoroughly.

Get expert advice on COSHH from a Croner Health and Safety expert.

With the new guidance in effect, ensuring compliance with the HSE's guidance, especially for those in fabrication-based industries is paramount. Compliance in this case means demonstrating to inspectors that your business has taken all the necessary precautions to ensure the occupational health of your workforce.

Non-compliance with the new guidance, carries with it a hefty financial cost alongside the human one. To ensure that you leave nothing to chance, talk to a Croner Health and Safety expert today and get peace of mind. Call 01455 858 132 for FREE professional advice.