APPG Report – “Improving Silicosis Outcomes in the UK”

This parliamentary report examines the continuing problem of silicosis and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure in the UK, concluding that the disease remains significantly under-recognised despite being entirely preventable.

The report highlights that approximately 600,000 UK workers are exposed to silica dust each year, particularly in:

Construction
Stone worktop manufacture and installation
Quarrying
Mining
Ceramics
Foundries
Brick and concrete production

The APPG found growing concern over severe cases occurring in younger workers, especially those involved in engineered stone fabrication, where silica content can exceed 90%.

Key Findings

Silicosis remains a serious and often irreversible occupational lung disease.
Cases are likely under-reported due to inadequate diagnosis and surveillance.
Current health surveillance arrangements are inconsistent across industries.
Many workers are diagnosed only after significant lung damage has already occurred.
Awareness of silica risks remains inadequate among employers and workers.
Engineering controls are not always effectively implemented or maintained.

Recommendations

The report calls for:

Improved health surveillance programmes.
Earlier diagnosis and referral pathways.
Better education and awareness across industry.
Greater use of exposure monitoring technologies.
Stronger enforcement of dust-control measures.
Enhanced data collection and reporting of silicosis cases.
Greater emphasis on prevention rather than treatment.

Relevance to LEV Professionals

The report repeatedly reinforces the importance of controlling silica dust at source through:

Process enclosure
Water suppression
Effective LEV systems
Correct system maintenance
Thorough Examination and Testing (TExT)
Worker training and supervision

A recurring theme is that PPE should be viewed as a last line of defence rather than the primary control measure.

Source Document

View the APPG guide here:

View Original APPG Report

Source: All Party Parliamentry Group (APPG)
Document Type: APPG Report
Status: Jan 2023
Last reviewed by LEVCentral: June 2026

LEVCentral Perspective

For LEV designers, commissioning engineers and occupational hygienists, the report serves as a warning that silica exposure is likely to remain a major HSE enforcement priority. It supports a move towards more robust exposure-control strategies that combine:

Effective engineering controls
Exposure monitoring
Health surveillance
Verification of LEV performance
Strong management systems

The report’s central message is simple:

Silicosis is entirely preventable, but prevention requires consistent application of engineering controls and long-term management commitment.

For LEVCentral readers, this document provides valuable insight into the future direction of occupational health regulation and reinforces why well-designed, well-maintained LEV systems remain one of the most important controls for protecting workers from respirable crystalline silica exposure.