Why Businesses Should Take Silica Dust Risks Seriously

Protecting employees from workplace health risks is not just about compliance; it is about creating a safer, healthier working environment and reducing the long-term risks to both your people and your business. Recent attention around engineered stone and silica dust exposure has highlighted an issue that many businesses across manufacturing, construction, installation and fabrication industries cannot afford to overlook.

What is the risk from silica dust?

At Stallard Kane, we work with businesses every day to help them manage workplace risks in a practical and achievable way. One of the biggest challenges we often see is dust exposure, particularly where engineered stone is being cut, drilled, polished, or handled incorrectly.

Engineered stone is commonly used in kitchen worktops, bathrooms, and commercial interiors. While it is a popular and durable material, it can contain very high levels of silica. When stone is cut or processed without suitable controls, fine silica dust can become airborne and easily inhaled by workers. Over time, exposure to respirable crystalline silica can lead to serious long-term health conditions including:

• Silicosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung cancer
• Other respiratory illnesses

What makes silica dust particularly dangerous is that the health effects are often not immediate. Problems can develop gradually over many years, which is why prevention and early control measures are so important.

What can I do the reduce the risks? 

Managing silica dust risks does not need to be overcomplicated. In most cases, sensible and well-maintained control measures can make a significant difference.

Businesses working with engineered stone are expected to have:

• Wet cutting methods in place to reduce airborne dust; dry cutting declared unacceptable and water suppression confirmed as a legal requirement
• Effective local exhaust ventilation systems
• Suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) with appropriate face-fit testing carried out for operatives
• Proper employee training and supervision
• Regular equipment inspections and maintenance
• COSHH and risk assessments reviewed regularly
• Health surveillance where exposure risks exist

The key is making sure controls are practical, effective, and consistently followed across the business.

I have management procedures already in place – do I need to do anything?

Many businesses already have health and safety procedures in place, but dust risks are sometimes underestimated or overlooked during busy day-to-day operations. Simple issues such as outdated risk assessments, incorrect cutting methods, poorly maintained extraction systems, or unsuitable respiratory protective equipment can quickly increase risk levels in the workplace.

The HSE has also announced increased enforcement activity, including visits to 1,000 sites working with engineered stone and silica-generating processes.

A proactive approach helps businesses stay prepared for inspections, audits, and changing industry expectations but this is not just about avoiding enforcement action. It is about protecting skilled employees, maintaining productivity, reducing sickness absence, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to workplace safety. 

How can Stallard Kane support my business?

We understand that many businesses do not have the time or internal resources to stay on top of every health and safety requirement. Our role is to make compliance easier to manage and give your business the confidence that the right systems are in place.

We provide practical support tailored to your business, including:

• Health and safety risk assessments
• COSHH assessments
• Dust exposure management
• Workplace inspections and audits
• Safe systems of work
• Health surveillance support
• Health and safety training
• Ongoing competent person advice

We take a straightforward, supportive approach that focuses on real-world solutions rather than unnecessary complexity.

Managing workplace health risks properly protects your employees, supports your business reputation, and helps you operate with confidence.

To discuss your requirements, contact our Health & Safety team:
 healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk
 01427 420 403

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