BOHS – Silica Dust: Risks When Working with Engineered Stone

A Practical Manager’s Guide to Preventing Silicosis in the Engineered Stone Industry

This BOHS guidance has been developed as a practical management resource to help employers, supervisors and workers understand the risks associated with engineered stone and the measures required to control exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

Presented in a toolbox-talk format, the document explains why engineered stone has become a major occupational health concern and provides clear guidance on the controls needed to prevent silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and other silica-related diseases.

The guidance was produced in response to increasing numbers of severe silicosis cases reported internationally and within Great Britain amongst workers involved in the manufacture, processing and installation of engineered stone worktops.

Topics covered include:

What engineered stone is
Sources of silica dust
Health risks associated with exposure
Employer responsibilities
Worker responsibilities
Exposure control measures
LEV and water suppression
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
Health surveillance
Occupational hygiene monitoring

This resource is particularly relevant to:

Stone Fabricators
Kitchen Worktop Manufacturers
Installation Contractors
Occupational Hygienists
LEV Designers/Commissioners/Testers
Site Supervisors
Health & Safety Managers
Duty Holders

Source Document

View the BOHS Toolbox here:

View Original BOHS Toolbox

Source: British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)

Document Type: Manager’s Toolkit / Toolbox Talk

Status: Current 2024

Last reviewed by LEVCentral: June 2026

LEVCentral Expert Commentary

Few occupational health topics have attracted as much international attention in recent years as engineered stone silicosis.

Historically, silicosis was often associated with mining, quarrying and heavy industry. However, a growing number of cases have been identified amongst workers involved in the manufacture and installation of engineered stone worktops. These cases have often affected relatively young workers, sometimes after only a few years of exposure.

Engineered stone products can contain extremely high levels of crystalline silica. When these materials are cut, ground, polished or drilled, respirable crystalline silica dust is released into the air. The resulting dust can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause irreversible disease.

One of the strengths of this BOHS resource is its simplicity.

Rather than focusing solely on legislation and technical detail, the guidance is designed to communicate the risk in a way that managers and workers can easily understand.

The document reinforces a critical message:

No respirable crystalline silica exposure means no silica-related disease.

This simple principle underpins all effective exposure-control strategies.

Key Learning Points

Engineered Stone Can Present Extremely High Silica Exposure Risks

Many engineered stone products contain significantly higher levels of crystalline silica than many traditional natural stone materials.

Silicosis Is Preventable But Incurable

Once silicosis develops there is no cure. Preventing exposure remains the most effective protection strategy.

Young Workers Are Being Affected

Recent cases have highlighted severe disease developing in workers much younger than traditionally associated with occupational lung disease.

Exposure Control Requires Multiple Measures

Effective control requires a combination of engineering controls, good working practices, occupational hygiene monitoring and health surveillance.

Managers Have a Critical Role

Managers and supervisors are often best placed to ensure that exposure controls remain in place and continue to function effectively.

Health Effects Highlighted in the Guidance

Silicosis

A progressive and irreversible scarring of the lungs caused by inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Long-term respiratory disease that can result from prolonged silica exposure.

Lung Cancer

Respirable crystalline silica is a recognised human carcinogen and prolonged exposure increases lung cancer risk.

Autoimmune Disease

The guidance highlights links between silica exposure and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.

Dermatitis

Skin problems may arise from dust exposure, wet-working practices and prolonged PPE use.

Control Measures Promoted by BOHS

Eliminate or Reduce Silica Content

Where possible, select materials with lower crystalline silica content.

Water Suppression

Use water-fed tools and wet processing methods to minimise dust generation.

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

LEV systems should be used where appropriate to capture airborne contaminants close to the source of generation.

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Suitable RPE should be provided and correctly managed where residual exposure risks remain.

Occupational Hygiene Monitoring

Air monitoring should be undertaken to confirm the effectiveness of exposure-control measures.

Health Surveillance

Health surveillance programmes can help identify early signs of silica-related disease before severe damage occurs.

Why This Resource Matters to LEV Professionals

Although aimed primarily at managers and supervisors, this guidance is highly relevant to LEV professionals.

The document reinforces many of the same principles contained within HSG258 and modern occupational hygiene practice:

Control at source
Exposure verification
Effective engineering controls
Performance monitoring
Worker protection

For LEV designers and TExT engineers, the guidance provides a useful reminder that exposure control should ultimately be measured by its ability to prevent disease, not simply by compliance with airflow specifications.

Relationship to Other Engineered Stone Resources

This guidance complements:

Together these resources provide a comprehensive framework for managing silica risks within the engineered stone industry.

Recommended Learning

Thought Leadership

The Emerging Engineered Stone Health Crisis
Preventing Silicosis Through Engineering Controls
Exposure Control Beyond Compliance
Why Silica Remains a Global Occupational Health Challenge

LEVCentral Observation

This BOHS resource demonstrates the value of clear communication when managing occupational health risks.

Whilst many technical documents focus on regulations and control specifications, this guidance concentrates on helping managers and workers understand why exposure control matters.

The increasing number of engineered stone silicosis cases shows that even well-known hazards can re-emerge when exposure controls are neglected.

For LEV professionals, occupational hygienists and duty holders, the document reinforces a simple but powerful message:

Effective exposure control is ultimately about preventing disease, not simply achieving compliance.