--- title: "Silica Safety: What the Latest HSE Guidance Means for Engineered Stone Workers" description: Explore the latest HSE engineered stone guidance, silica safety requirements and how workplace monitoring can support effective exposure control. image: https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Untitled%20Design%20(60).png --- - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) - About Us - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - Resources - [Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/events) - [News](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) - [Contact Us](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) [![Shawcity Logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png?height=70&name=NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/) [Login](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/account/login) - Gas Detection - [Portable Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/portable-gas) - [Ground Gas/ Contaminated Land](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/ground-gas-contaminated-land) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/calibration-gas) - [Air Quality & Dust](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/air-quality-and-dust) - [Fit Testing](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fit-testing) - [OEM Gas Sensors](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/oem-gas-sensors) - [Chromium-6](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/chromium-6-detection) - [Drug & Alcohol](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/drugs-alcohol-testing) - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) [![Shawcity Logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png?height=70&name=NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/hamburger-icon.svg) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/menu-close.svg) Menu - Products - [Portable Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/portable-gas) - [Fixed Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fixed-gas-monitoring) - [Ground Gas/Contaminated Land](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/ground-gas-contaminated-land) - [Air Quality & Dust](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/air-quality-and-dust) - [Fit Testing](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fit-testing) - [OEM Gas Sensors](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/oem-gas-sensors) - [Chromium-6](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/chromium-6-detection) - [Drugs & Alcohol](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/drugs-alcohol-testing) - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/calibration-gas) - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) - About Us - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - Resources - [Brochure](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Shawcity%20overview%20brochure%20MAR%2025%20web.pdf) - [News & Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/knowledge-hub) [CONTACT US](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) ##### [**News**](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/tag/news) # Silica Safety: What the Latest HSE Guidance Means for Engineered Stone Workers **Shawcity**|28 October 2026 ![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Untitled%20Design%20(60).png) **With inspections underway and businesses facing enforcement action, effective silica dust control has never been more important.** Engineered stone is widely used in kitchen and bathroom worktops, but working with these materials can expose workers to dangerous levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Cutting, grinding and polishing stone can release fine airborne dust that penetrates deep into the lungs, potentially causing serious and irreversible health problems. In 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) introduced new guidance specifically addressing the risks associated with engineered stone, alongside a nationwide inspection programme. Early enforcement action has already highlighted significant failings in workplace dust control. For businesses involved in stone fabrication and installation, the message is clear: understanding the risks and putting effective controls in place is essential to protecting workers.   #### Why is engineered stone a silica safety concern? Engineered stone is manufactured using crushed minerals, often quartz, bonded with resin. Some products contain very high concentrations of crystalline silica, meaning processing them can generate substantial quantities of hazardous dust. When inhaled, respirable crystalline silica can cause: - **Silicosis:** An incurable lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissue. - **Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):** A condition that restricts airflow and makes breathing difficult. - **Lung cancer:** Respirable crystalline silica is a recognised occupational carcinogen. One of the biggest concerns is that workers can suffer permanent lung damage before symptoms develop. Silicosis associated with engineered stone can also develop much more rapidly than traditionally recognised forms of the disease. Preventing exposure is therefore critical. ![Untitled Design (58)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20Design%20(58).png?width=1270&height=720&name=Untitled%20Design%20(58).png) #### HSE guidance: What has changed in 2026? On 11 May 2026, the HSE published specific COSHH guidance for working with engineered stone and announced a programme of more than 1,000 inspections across Great Britain over 12 months. The guidance reinforces employers’ existing legal duties to control exposure to hazardous substances. It also makes clear that dry cutting, grinding and polishing engineered stone is unacceptable unless an equally effective or better control can be demonstrated. HSE research found that dry fabrication typically results in respirable crystalline silica exposure five to ten times higher than wet methods using equivalent tools. The guidance highlights several essential control measures: **1. Choose lower-silica materials** Where possible, switch to engineered stone with a lower crystalline silica content to reduce the potential risk at source. **2. Use on-tool water suppression** Water suppression is essential when processing engineered stone with powered handheld tools. However, it is not enough simply to introduce water: the mist generated can also contain silica, so it must be effectively controlled. **3. Provide suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE)** RPE must be appropriate for the task and exposure risk. HSE guidance specifies powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 for relevant engineered-stone processing, cleaning and machinery-maintenance activities. **4. Maintain effective ventilation and housekeeping** Appropriate ventilation, machinery maintenance and safe cleaning practices help prevent dust from accumulating or becoming airborne again. **5. Arrange health surveillance** Employers must provide appropriate health surveillance where workers are regularly exposed to RCS and there is a reasonable likelihood of developing silicosis or COPD. Controls should also be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective. *Source:* [*HSE – Working engineered stone: Control silica risk*](https://www.hse.gov.uk/stonemasonry/working-engineered-stone-control-silica-risk.htm)*.*   #### Enforcement action highlights the consequences of inadequate controls The HSE's inspection programme has already resulted in enforcement action. In June 2026, the regulator announced that four companies had been ordered to stop working with engineered stone following inspections that identified inadequate measures to protect employees from silica dust. The failings included problems with respiratory protection, health surveillance, local exhaust ventilation and machinery guarding. The programme is continuing throughout 2026 and into 2027, with inspectors checking whether businesses are meeting the required standards. These developments underline the importance of moving beyond written policies and ensuring that control measures work effectively in practice. Businesses should review their risk assessments, working procedures, equipment and employee training to identify any gaps before they put workers at risk. *Source:* [*HSE – Businesses ordered to stop work with engineered stone after failing safety inspections*](https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/06/25/businesses-ordered-to-stop-work-with-engineered-stone-after-failing-safety-inspections/)*.* *![Untitled Design (59)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20Design%20(59).png?width=728&height=413&name=Untitled%20Design%20(59).png)* #### The role of silica monitoring in workplace safety Effective dust suppression, ventilation and respiratory protection are fundamental to controlling silica exposure. But how can employers and occupational hygiene professionals better understand exposure levels and assess whether their controls are working as intended? Workplace exposure monitoring can provide valuable information about airborne silica concentrations during specific tasks and working conditions. This can support exposure assessments, help identify potential problem areas and inform decisions about control measures. ![Air-XS\_Product-1](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Air-XS_Product-1.png?width=316&height=284&name=Air-XS_Product-1.png) The [**Trolex AIR XS Silica Monitor**](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/products/trolex-air-xs-silica-dust-monitor), available from Shawcity for hire or purchase, provides real-time respirable crystalline silica monitoring using Optical Refraction Technology (ORT). Real-time measurements can help users understand how concentrations change during work activities and investigate the effectiveness of dust-control measures. Monitoring should form part of a wider exposure-management strategy. It does not replace appropriate engineering controls, suitable respiratory protection, required personal exposure assessments or health surveillance. The HSE's 2026 research also highlights the importance of evaluating how controls perform during different activities, including hand finishing, where exposures can be particularly high.   #### Don't overlook other airborne hazards Silica is not the only potential workplace hazard associated with stone processing.![TIGER XT crop](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/TIGER%20XT%20crop.png?width=114&height=325&name=TIGER%20XT%20crop.png) Depending on the materials and processes involved, workers may also be exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from resins, adhesives, cleaning products and other substances. Where VOC exposure is a concern, the [**Ion Science Tiger XT VOC Monitor**](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/products/tiger-xt) uses photoionisation detection (PID) technology to measure VOC concentrations. The appropriate monitoring solution will depend on the substances present, the work being undertaken and the objectives of the assessment. Silica and VOC monitoring address different hazards and should be selected accordingly.   #### Taking a proactive approach to silica safety The latest HSE guidance and enforcement activity serve as an important reminder that protecting workers requires a consistent, practical approach to occupational health. For businesses working with engineered stone, priorities should include: - Reviewing COSHH assessments and current working practices. - Selecting lower-silica materials wherever possible. - Ensuring effective water suppression and mist control. - Providing suitable RPE, ventilation and training. - Maintaining appropriate health surveillance. - Assessing exposure and regularly reviewing the effectiveness of control measures. By combining effective engineering controls with appropriate monitoring and ongoing assessment, employers can make more informed decisions about workplace exposure and help protect their workforce.   #### Need advice on silica or workplace monitoring? Shawcity supplies monitoring solutions to help organisations assess and manage workplace exposure to airborne contaminants. Our team can help you explore suitable equipment for your application, including the Trolex AIR XS Silica Monitor and Ion Science Tiger XT VOC Monitor. **Contact Shawcity to discuss your workplace monitoring requirements.** 01367 899553 [solutions@shawcity.co.uk](mailto:solutions@shawcity.co.uk)   **Further guidance:** [HSE – Working engineered stone: Control silica risk](https://www.hse.gov.uk/stonemasonry/working-engineered-stone-control-silica-risk.htm) ##### Share [Previous post](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/msa-chillgard-5000-refrigerant-monitoring) ## **Latest posts** ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/chillgrd-blog.png) News **MSA Chillgard 5000: Refrigerant Monitoring, Capabilities and Applications** 27 October 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/msa-chillgard-5000-refrigerant-monitoring) ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Jackdaw%20north%20sea%20gas%20field.png) News **North Sea Gas Production and Offshore Safety: How Connected Gas Detection Supports Workers at Sea** 23 October 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/north-sea-gas-production-and-offshore-safety-how-connected-gas-detection-supports-workers-at-sea) ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/QuantiFit%202%20and%20fire%20services.png) Blogs **Protecting Those Who Protect Us: The Importance of Respiratory Fit Testing in Emergency Services** 22 October 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/protecting-those-who-protect-us-the-importance-of-respiratory-fit-testing-in-emergency-services) [Back to blog](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) ![Newsletter icon](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Icons/newsletter-icon.svg) ### **Sign up to our newsletter** ### **Sign up to our newsletter** ![Newsletter icon](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Icons/newsletter-icon.svg) ![Shawcity logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png) ##### Products - 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