The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has named four businesses that were served with Prohibition Notices following concerns about safety when working with engineered stone.
According to Construction News, the four companies are Creative Quartz Ltd, Mr Granite Ltd, Surfacestone (UK) Limited and Italia Stone Ltd.
The notices were issued after HSE inspectors identified failures to adequately protect workers. A range of issues were identified across the businesses, including inadequate control of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), failures to use water suppression and failures to provide respiratory protective equipment.
The companies can resume work with engineered stone if they address the concerns identified by HSE inspectors.
Since the original four notices were issued, the HSE has also served Prohibition Notices on Stone Affairs Ltd, Pyramid Granite Ltd and Marble & Granite Designs Ltd for failures relating to controlling the spread of silica dust.
The enforcement action forms part of a wider HSE campaign which will see inspectors carry out more than 1,000 visits across the industry during 2026.
Read more about the HSE enforcement action in Construction News.
The risks of silica dust and engineered stone
Engineered stone, also known as artificial stone or engineered quartz, is generally made from quartz aggregate and polymer and has become a popular material for kitchen worktops.
Cutting and polishing engineered stone can expose workers to respirable crystalline silica dust. The HSE has warned against dry cutting engineered stone because of the risk of workers developing silicosis.
Silicosis is an irreversible lung disease which can cause serious and permanent damage to the lungs. The onset of the disease can be much quicker following exposure to engineered-stone dust than with traditional materials.
The HSE's latest enforcement action highlights the importance of businesses taking appropriate steps to protect workers from silica dust.
Raising awareness of silicosis
At Thompsons Solicitors, we have been working to raise awareness of the risks of silica dust exposure, particularly the growing concerns surrounding workers cutting and fabricating engineered stone.
Our silicosis lead, Dan Poet, heads our specialist team supporting workers and their families affected by silica exposure.
Thompsons has also been working with trade unions, medical experts and others to bring greater attention to the risks of engineered-stone silicosis and the need for stronger protection for workers.
Making a silicosis compensation claim
If you have developed silicosis after being exposed to silica dust at work, you may be entitled to compensation.
Thompsons Solicitors has extensive experience supporting workers affected by industrial disease and silica dust exposure. Our specialist team can investigate how you were exposed, whether appropriate measures were taken to protect you and whether you may be able to make a claim.
To find out more, please visit our silicosis claims page, or speak to our specialist team on 0800 0224 224 or request a callback.