At Thompsons, we only represent injured workers — never employers — and we’re calling for urgent action before this becomes another national health scandal.
This page explains what’s behind the rise in silicosis cases, why engineered stone is central to the problem, and what needs to change to keep workers safe.
A preventable disease that’s now on the rise
Silicosis has been known about for over a century. What’s new — and deeply worrying — is the sudden increase in severe cases here in the UK. Workers, including people in their 20s and 30s, are developing life‑changing lung conditions because the protections that should keep them safe just aren’t being enforced.
Clinicians are now reporting clusters of serious cases linked to modern cutting and fabrication techniques, particularly in the engineered stone industry.
Engineered stone: at the heart of the current crisis
Engineered stone contains very high levels of silica. When it’s cut dry — which still happens far too often, especially in smaller workshops — it creates clouds of fine dust that can cause serious, long‑term harm.
The All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Respiratory Health — a cross‑party group of MPs and peers who look at issues affecting workers’ lung health — has raised serious concerns about the rise in silicosis cases.
The APPG’s findings highlight that:
Engineered stone is driving the spike in modern silicosis cases.
-Younger workers are developing accelerated silicosis, which can appear after just a few years of exposure.
-Other countries, including Australia, are already moving towards banning high‑silica engineered stone because of the risks it poses.
Who is being affected?
The rise in cases is hitting workers in:
-engineered stone workshops
-construction and demolition
-tunnelling and mining
-quarrying
-foundries and heavy manufacturing
What’s particularly concerning is the number of younger and migrant workers affected. Many are working in small or poorly regulated environments, where dust controls, ventilation and protective equipment simply aren’t good enough.
Why the current system is failing workers
Although regulations like COSHH exist, the APPG found repeated failures across the system, including:
-Weak enforcement and too few inspections
-Dry‑cutting still happening in engineered stone workshops
-Poor dust control in smaller businesses
-Fragmented surveillance, leading to underdiagnosis
-Low RIDDOR reporting, often because employers fear liability
These gaps leave workers exposed to entirely avoidable risks.
Accelerated silicosis: fast‑moving and devastating
Accelerated silicosis is now appearing in workers after only a few years of cutting or finishing engineered stone. Symptoms progress quickly and can lead to:
-breathing difficulties
-repeated infections
-long‑term disability
-in severe cases, respiratory failure
This is not a slow‑developing occupational disease — it can take hold rapidly and change a person’s life forever.
How the UK compares internationally
Outbreaks linked to engineered stone have already been identified in other countries. Australia has taken significant steps towards a nationwide ban on high‑silica engineered stone because of the scale of harm being reported.
The UK is now facing many of the same warning signs.
What needs to change — now
The APPG has called for urgent reforms, including:
-Serious consideration of a ban on high‑silica engineered stone
-Stronger enforcement of existing safety regulations
-Mandatory ventilation controls and an end to dry‑cutting
-A national registry for exposed workers
-Routine and mandatory health surveillance
-Clearer, enforced RIDDOR reporting
-Public education for workers, employers and clinicians
These aren’t optional improvements — they’re essential to preventing more lives being changed by a disease that should never occur in modern workplaces.
How Thompsons stands with affected workers
When workers are harmed by unsafe practices, our team is here to help. We support people to access:
-urgent medical and rehabilitation support
-interim payments where appropriate
-long‑term financial and family support
-a fair and straightforward route to compensation
We’ve been standing with injured workers for decades, and we’ll continue fighting for safer workplaces and stronger protections.
If you’ve been exposed to silica at work
You’re not on your own. If you’ve developed breathing problems — or if you know you were exposed to silica dust at work — get in touch with our team.
We’ll give you clear, straightforward advice about what to do next.
Call 0800 0 224 224 or use our online enquiry form
