The forms part of a package of action the regulator is taking to prevent deaths from silicosis. It follows the deaths of two workers in recent years. One of these was Marek Marzec, a 48-year-old father of three who died after working with the material, used in kitchen worktops.
The guidance makes clear that dry cutting of engineered stone is unacceptable and that water suppression techniques, already used by many industry leaders, are how businesses should meet the legal requirement.
The guidance will be backed-up by a nationwide inspection programme. Over the next 12 months, HSE inspectors will conduct more than 1,000 visits to fabricators across Great Britain, with enforcement action taken against those failing to meet the required standards. The first inspections are already underway.
HSE undertook a two-year process of research and industry engagement and has concluded that the most effective and proportionate action is to make sure proper controls are in place and actively enforced.聽聽
The research found that dry fabrication typically results in exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) five to ten times higher than wet methods using equivalent tools. It also found that lower-content silica engineered stone is available聽at the same quality, removing any reason for businesses not to聽switch to less dangerous products.
To provide clarity to businesses and workers, HSE has published its first-ever COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)聽聽specifically for engineered stone. The guidance sets out in plain English what employers must do: switch to engineered stone with a low silica content; use聽on-tool聽water suppression, control mist; provide聽appropriate respiratory聽protective equipment (RPE); and carry out regular health surveillance. These, the regulator says, are legal requirements.
Mike Calcutt, deputy director in HSE鈥檚 engagement and policy division, said "Today鈥檚 guidance marks our most significant intervention in the engineered stone sector to date, and not without good reason.
鈥淪ilicosis is incurable, but it is entirely preventable. No worker should lose their life to a lung disease caused by their job, and that is why we have taken this action.
鈥淲e have spent the past two years conducting extensive research and industry engagement to understand the scale of this risk. What we found was stark. Many businesses are not putting the right controls in place, they are still using engineered stone with high silica content, and dry cutting, which must stop.
鈥淭o every employer in this sector: 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 鈥� they are undercutting the businesses doing things properly. We will create a level playing field.
鈥淭o workers handling engineered stone: know your rights and know the controls that should be keeping you safe. If you have concerns, contact HSE.鈥�
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