Engineered Stone: Managing Silica Risk Through Occupational Hygiene
7th August 2026
HSE is focusing on engineered stone — is your business ready?
Engineered stone is widely used for worktops and interior finishes. The processing of this material can generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS), a hazardous dust linked to serious and irreversible lung disease. The HSE has identified engineered stone as a priority area, with a clear focus on preventing dry cutting and ensuring businesses can demonstrate effective control of exposure.
Why this matters
Some engineered stone products contain high levels of crystalline silica. Cutting, grinding, polishing or drilling can release fine dust that is easily inhaled. Exposure can occur during fabrication, installation, re-work and clean-up activities, particularly where controls are poorly designed, not used consistently or not maintained.
Why businesses should act now
Businesses working with engineered stone should be able to demonstrate that exposure to RCS is being understood and controlled in line with HSE expectations. Rather than relying on assumptions or generic procedures, an occupational hygiene assessment can help identify where exposure may occur and whether existing arrangements are suitable.
What good silica control looks like in practice
How an occupational hygiene assessment helps
An occupational hygiene assessment provides an independent, evidence-based review of engineered stone activities. It can help clarify the exposure risk, assess the effectiveness of current controls and provide proportionate recommendations tailored to the way work is carried out on site.
For organisations fabricating, installing or specifying engineered stone, this helps move beyond paperwork and provides confidence that controls are working in practice.
How Arthian can support
Arthian’s occupational hygiene specialists can support businesses with engineered stone occupational hygiene assessments, including a reivew of your current workplace,
RCS exposure monitoring, control evaluation and practical advice to help demonstrate compliance with HSE expectations.
If your business fabricates, installs or specifies engineered stone, now is the time to understand your exposure risk. Contact Arthian to arrange an occupational hygiene assessment and gain confidence that your controls are suitable, effective and aligned with HSE focus areas.