HSE’s new guidance on dry cutting engineered stone 

Key takeaways

• HSE effectively banned uncontrolled dry cutting of engineered stone from May 2026 
• Water suppression is now the required dust control method when cutting engineered stone 
• Over 1,000 site inspections planned across Great Britain in the next 12 months 
• Businesses must stop dry cutting immediately and review their COSHH assessments 
• Workers exposed to silica dust must receive health surveillance and proper RPE 

What HSE’s new guidance means for your business

In May 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued urgent new guidance making it clear that uncontrolled dry cutting engineered stone is unacceptable and must no longer take place in workplaces. 

This is part of a wider crackdown on silica dust exposure, following serious illness and deaths among workers cases. 

Why HSE is taking action now

Engineered stone, commonly used for kitchen and bathroom worktops can contain high levels of crystalline silica. When it’s cut or processed, it releases fine dust that can be inhaled deep into workers’ lungs. Inhaling the dust can lead to silicosis, a serious and often fatal lung disease. 

Recent cases, including the deaths of young workers, prompted calls for stronger controls. Following a two-year research programme and industry engagement, HSE found that existing dust control practices weren’t being applied consistently enough to protect workers’ health.  

What the new HSE guidance requires

HSE’s new guidance is explicit about what businesses must do when working with engineered stone: 

1. Stop dry cutting – unless you can demonstrate and equally effective or better control is in place 
2. Use water suppression – on-tool water suppression is now the required method to control dust at the source  
3. Select lower-silica materials – use engineered stone with the lowest practicable silica content  
4. Manage residual dust – control any must or airborne particles that remain after suppression  
5. Prove RPE – supply suitable respiratory protective equipment for exposed workers 
6. Health surveillance – arrange regular health checks for anyone working with engineered stone  

Research found that dry cutting can expose workers to silica dust levels five to ten times higher than wet cutting methods. These levels breach legal exposure limits under COSHH 

HSE inspections already underway

HSE has launched a nationwide inspection programme across Great Britain to make sure everyone’s following the new guidance. 

• Over 1,000 site visits in the next 12 months 

• Inspections started immediately following the guidance release 

• Expect enforcement action where standards aren’t met 

• Focus on checking controls are in place and actively used 

What your business must do now

If your business works with engineered stone, right now you should: 

• Stop any uncontrolled dry cutting immediately – this includes any cutting without on-tool water suppression 

• Review your COSHH assessments – update them to reflect HSE’s new requirements 

• Check your control measures – make sure water suppression is working effectively  

• Audit your equipment – check any on-tool extraction and suppression is fitted and functioning  

 Why this guidance matters

HSE described this as its most significant intervention in the engineered stone sector so far, with a focus on making sure controls are in place and actively used. 

If you don’t comply, you face serious consequences from enforcement notices to prosecution under COSHH. And most importantly, you’ll be putting your workers at risk of a life-threatening disease.

How Citation can help

Citation’s Health & Safety experts help fabricators, installers and construction businesses comply with guidance.

At Citation, we help construction businesses of all sizes stay safe and compliant. From COSHH risk assessments and method statements to 24/7 expert advice and on-site risk assessments, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to build a safer business? Contact us today to see how we can help.