H&S Concerns of Engineered Stone: Are You Managing Risk Effectively?

Businesses working with engineered stone are facing increased scrutiny from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), with a nationwide inspection campaign now underway across Great Britain.

The campaign is focusing on engineered stone fabricators, with more than 1,000 inspections planned throughout 2026/27. HSE inspectors are looking closely at how businesses are controlling workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), with enforcement action already taken where suitable controls have not been in place.

For businesses involved in the manufacture, fabrication or installation of engineered stone, this is a useful opportunity to consider how silica risks are managed.

Why is engineered stone a concern?

Engineered stone can contain high levels of crystalline silica. Activities such as cutting, drilling, grinding and polishing can generate very fine silica particles which, if inhaled, can cause serious and potentially irreversible health problems.

The risk isn’t limited to the person carrying out the work. Dust can affect others working in or passing through the area if suitable controls and segregation aren’t in place.

Silica exposure can also arise from working with other common materials, including concrete, bricks, mortar, granite and sandstone.

What should businesses review?

Rather than simply checking whether the relevant documents are in place, employers should consider whether their arrangements are working effectively day to day.

Review your assessments

Risk assessments and COSHH assessments should reflect the work actually being carried out.

Consider the different activities taking place, who could be exposed and whether there have been any changes to equipment, processes or materials since the assessments were completed.

Create, complete and store tailored risk assessments in oneSAFE, helping you identify relevant risks and manage them in line with your working practices.

Check your controls

HSE expects businesses to prevent or adequately control exposure to silica dust.

Where engineered stone is being cut, businesses should review whether appropriate methods such as water suppression and extraction are being used and whether they are effective.

Controls should also be maintained and checked regularly. Having equipment in place does not necessarily mean it is controlling exposure effectively. Use oneSAFE to assign actions to managers, schedule regular checks and record the outcomes, helping you ensure controls remain effective and any issues are identified and addressed promptly.

Look at working practices

Consider what happens when the work is actually being carried out.

Are employees following the required procedures? Is appropriate RPE being used? Are dusty activities properly managed and separated from other work? Are suitable cleaning methods being followed?

These are the types of practical considerations that can make the difference between having a documented process and effectively managing the risk.

Keep employees informed

Employees should understand the risks associated with silica dust and know how they are expected to work safely.

This includes understanding the control measures in place, using equipment correctly, following RPE requirements and knowing how to raise concerns or report problems.

Training should also be kept under review, particularly where working practices or equipment change. Use oneSAFE to manage training records, keep track of completed and upcoming training, and identify areas where additional or refresher training may be needed.

Consider health surveillance

Where there is a risk of workers developing work-related ill health as a result of exposure, appropriate health surveillance may be required.

Businesses should seek competent advice to determine what arrangements are appropriate and ensure relevant records are maintained.

Make sure you can evidence your approach

If an HSE inspector visits your business, being able to demonstrate how risks are managed is just as important as having the relevant policies and assessments.

Businesses may need to show evidence of training, risk assessments, actions taken, incidents, inspections, maintenance and other measures used to manage their H&S responsibilities.

Bringing your H&S information together

Keeping track of all this information can become difficult when records are spread across different documents, spreadsheets and systems.

A central H&S system, such as oneSAFE, can help bring key information together, making it easier to see what has been completed, identify outstanding actions and maintain a clear record of your approach.

oneSAFE also helps teams track relevant review, expiry and follow-up dates, providing reminders where action is required.

This means your H&S information isn’t simply stored away. It can be actively managed, reviewed and followed up. You also have evidence ready to show how risks are managed if an inspection were to take place.

Want to see how oneSAFE can help you manage your H&S information?

Book a demo to see how oneSAFE can help you manage your H&S information.

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