Waiting for workers to show symptoms of silicosis means acting too late, a leading clinician working at the frontline of the disease has warned.
By Belinda Liversedge on 06 July 2026
Vehicle paint sprayers face an elevated risk of developing debilitating occupational asthma from exposure to isocyanates found in certain ‘2-pack’ paints, coatings and lacquers, so HSE is encouraging motor vehicle repair businesses to prevent or minimise exposure through a mix of education, advice and enforcement.
By Kate Jones, HSE on 01 April 2026
An awareness campaign has taken to the streets of Sheffield to highlight the growing threat of “silent killer” silicosis to workers across the UK.
By Belinda Liversedge on 20 March 2026
With concerns rising that workers who manufacture and install artificial stone kitchen worktops are at high risk of early-onset fatal lung disease, it is vital employers take steps to prevent and control exposure to respirable crystalline silica found in engineered stone materials.
By Tim Turney, Casella on 23 September 2025
A manufacturer of popular stone kitchen worktops has been fined £60,000 after HSE inspectors found evidence of shocking failures to control dust exposure in the Slough workshop.
By Belinda Liversedge on 06 June 2025
Engineered stone dust contains up to 95 per cent silica, and younger workers are dying in its wake from a disease known as accelerated silicosis. Are we going fast enough to address the problem?
By Belinda Liversedge on 26 May 2025
A stonemasonry firm has received a fine of almost £20,000 for failing to protect workers from silica dust, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued new advice for stone worktop installers amid continued calls for engineered stone to be banned over its links to silicosis.
By Kerry Reals on 10 January 2025
Although the UK has a framework for managing asbestos in buildings, a proposed new Asbestos Information Certificate rating dutyholder compliance with the relevant legal duties would place greater emphasis on ensuring building owners are adequately reducing the risk to occupants and tradespeople.
By Mick Dawson, ATaC on 05 September 2024
The UK has the worst record on mesothelioma deaths (a cancer solely attributed to past asbestos exposure) in the world, primarily because the UK imported more asbestos per capita than any other country.
By Charles Pickles, Airtight on Asbestos on 05 September 2024
There are growing concerns about the heightened risk of asbestos exposure in schools and hospitals, but the UK is falling behind Europe in tackling the problem of asbestos in non-domestic buildings.
By Mesothelioma UK and University of Sheffield on 05 September 2024
