Silicosis: As new advice is issued expert lawyer explores the worrying trend of silica exposure and the support available to those affected

New simplified advice has been issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for those who install artificial stone worktops intended for kitchens and bathrooms. 

The intention is to raise awareness and avoid the risks associated with the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica.  The publication is an update on the HSE’s 2013 Guidance, the latest iteration of which is less than 12-months-old.  So why the need to restate and further simplify that guidance?

Why the need for new silica guidance?

With the recent publication of the 2024 Annual Statistics, the HSE acknowledge that there were six cases of artificial stone-caused silicosis reported by the end of 2023. 

Dig deep into the report, and you will see that the HSE reference a study published in 2024, led by the team at the Department of Occupational Lung Disease at the Royal Brompton Hospital, which reported eight further cases involving men with a median age of just 34 years. 

We don’t yet know how many more cases will come forward, but I understand that there are now nearer to 20 worktop workers who have been diagnosed with silicosis, and there has been at least one fatality. The current trend is deeply worrying.

The concentration of silica in these artificial worktops is far greater than the content of traditional, more expensive, granite or marble worktops and it is this fact that is likely to be behind the accelerated progression of this cruel disease. 

Australia implemented a ban on the use of, supply and manufacture of engineered stone in July 2024. The ban was extended to the import of that engineered stone, effective from 1 January.  

What next for the UK?

Is further guidance from the HSE about the dangers of artificial stone enough to tackle the growing problem?  The Worktop Fabricators Federation’s position, published in August 2024, was that “the danger arises from not following health and safety guidelines when cutting and fabricating” and that it is a “factory management issue”.

There is some merit in the WFF suggestion. The working conditions highlighted by some of those diagnosed with silicosis are frankly appalling. Small workshops with little ventilation, no extraction and with little attempt at dust suppression. In the examples highlighted in recent case studies, it's clear that there was little or no attempt to follow safety guidance, whether or not the employers knew of its existence.

Should the UK government heed the growing number of calls for a UK ban on artificial stone, similar to that introduced in Australia? 

The HSE has a continuing and important role as both an educator and enforcer, but it needs both the funds and resources to tackle this growing problem. 

It has been suggested by some that the current cohort of identified silicosis cases involve only a tiny minority of businesses who are oblivious to, or otherwise ignore, that current guidance.  But those dubious working practices appear to have gone unchecked for too long, exposing employees to significant dangers.

The number of silicosis cases continues to be reported and the weight of the call for a ban will undoubtedly grow if the problem is not brought under control.

Silica problem not isolated to artificial stone and supporting workers exposed to the hazardous material

The dangers of respirable crystalline silica exposure are not isolated to those who manufacture and fit artificial stone worktops. 

At Irwin Mitchell, my colleagues and I represent a significant number of individuals who have been exposed in a range of occupations including traditional stonemasonry, quarry and glassworkers and those exposed to sandblasting.

While it's too late to undo the exposure our clients have suffered, we support them and their loved ones not only in securing answers but access to specialist treatment they may require.  

Only recently, we saw another silicosis-related story, this time about the prosecution of a South Yorkshire stonemasonry firm which was fined following a HSE investigation. The published images suggest a disregard for the health of the workers involved.

Irwin Mitchell's silica register 

Silicosis is a cruel, insidious disease, with symptoms often arising years after the individual has ceased working with stone. That’s why it’s important to record periods of work involving exposure to silica as soon as possible.  Memories fade and businesses close, but a contemporaneous or early record can help.  A detailed, personal record should be made and kept safe. Our Silica Exposure Register can help with that.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting workers and families affected by silica exposure at our dedicated silicosis claims section. 

More on the HSE's latest silica advice can be found online.