28/05/2026
THE HIDDEN KILLER IN OUR WORKPLACES: ENGINEERED STONE DUST
Workers cutting engineered stone are being exposed to one of the most dangerous dusts in modern industry and the consequences are devastating.
The Health and Safety Executive has now issued landmark guidance making one thing absolutely clear: dry cutting engineered stone is unacceptable.
It is not safe.
It is not legal.
It is costing workers their lives.
Engineered stone can contain up to 95% crystalline silica. When it’s cut dry, the dust released is so fine it can’t be seen, but it can reach the deepest parts of the lungs.
HSE’s research shows that dry cutting exposes workers to silica levels five to ten times higher than wet methods.
That level of exposure can cause silicosis not over decades, but in months or a few short years.
Two young workers have already died.
Others are living with permanent, irreversible lung damage before they ever knew something was wrong.
Silicosis is incurable, but it is entirely preventable.
That’s why HSE is launching more than 1,000 inspections across Great Britain, with enforcement action for any employer still cutting corners.
The law already requires proper controls: low‑silica materials, on‑tool water suppression, mist control, tight-fitting RPE, and regular health surveillance.
These aren’t optional extras. They are legal duties designed to stop workers being slowly suffocated by their own jobs.
No worker should breathe in dust that destroys their lungs. No employer should gamble with someone’s life to save time or money.
No family should lose a loved one to a disease that should never have happened.
This is a turning point.
The guidance is clear.
The evidence is clear.
The danger is clear.
Now the industry must change and Unite will be there every step of the way to make sure it does.
If you work with engineered stone and you’re worried about the controls in your workplace, speak to your Unite rep.
If you believe your health has been affected, seek medical advice immediately.
If your employer refuses to act, HSE wants to hear from you.
This is about lives, not worktops.
We stand with every worker exposed to this risk, and we will fight to make sure no one else pays the price.
Trades Union Congress (TUC) Unite Local AuthoritiesUnite West Midlands TUC Midlands Matthew Law Unite the union Andrew Harriss Sharon Graham - General Secretary, Unite the Union Simon Dubbins, Unite For A Workers' Economy Kevin John Giles
TAKE ACTION: Back Unite’s call to stop preventable silicosis and sign the petition here: https://bit.ly/3Ro9BUL
Unite the union is calling for urgent action on engineered stone and exposure to deadly silica dust, a danger that is leaving workers with a severe, life‑changing and entirely preventable disease. Thompsons Solicitors fully supports Unite’s campaign.
Learn more about Unite’s campaign: https://bit.ly/4tShtLz
As Dan Poet, Principal Lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors, has warned, cases of silicosis linked to engineered stone are rising fast. Stronger protections and decisive action are needed now to stop more workers from paying the price with their health.
Read about silicosis and your legal rights: https://bit.ly/4fzBIu5
More on Dan Poet, Thompsons’ Silicosis Lead: https://bit.ly/49M4mEB
We stand with Unite in calling for meaningful action to protect workers and prevent more lives from being damaged by this deadly disease.
