Ban on dry cutting engineered stone and worker health

The UK Health and Safety Executive has announced a ban on dry cutting engineered stone to protect workers from serious health risks.

“IOSH strongly supports the Health and Safety Executive’s evidence-based decision to ban the dry cutting of engineered stone. It is an important step to better protecting workers from the serious health risks linked to respirable crystalline silica. This action reflects a growing recognition that these risks are preventable and that more can and should be done to ensure people go home safe and healthy at the end of the working day.

“This ban has been issued as landmark guidance from the HSE with an accompanying package of control measures. To make it truly effective, robust enforcement and clear guidance must also be backed by sustained awareness and education, particularly for small businesses and tradespeople who may not always have easy access to specialist health and safety advice.

“We are calling on employers and health and safety professionals to understand and implement this new guidance. Competent advice and leadership is critical to embedding safer and healthier working practices. IOSH also urges the Government to invest in and provide dedicated funding for targeted awareness campaigns, developed with industry, to ensure clear, practical and accessible guidance reaches those most at risk. Prevention-first must be the priority.

“With the right support in place, businesses can adopt safer working practices with confidence and help prevent avoidable illness in the future.”

You can find more information about the HSE’s announcement.