Managing Dust and Preventing Silicosis
Following the recent Health and Safety Executive announcement regarding increased inspections into silica dust exposure, businesses should ensure effective control measures are in place to protect workers from respiratory harm.
Silicosis and other occupational lung diseases are irreversible but entirely preventable where suitable controls are implemented and maintained effectively.
While recent HSE guidance has focused heavily on engineered stone fabrication, the principles apply across a wide range of workplaces where dust is generated during normal operations.
Where Dust Risks Commonly Arise
Dust exposure is not limited to obvious high-risk industries. Harmful airborne particles can be generated during many everyday activities, including:
- Cutting or drilling materials
- Sanding or grinding
- Sweeping dusty areas
- Demolition or refurbishment works
- Manufacturing and fabrication processes
- Handling powders or dry materials
- Vehicle movement in dusty environments
- Poor housekeeping standards
Even where dust is not clearly visible, harmful respirable particles may still be present in the air and atmosphere.
Key Control Measures Employers Should Consider
Avoid Dry Cutting and Dry Sweeping
Dry cutting activities can generate extremely high levels of airborne silica dust and should be avoided wherever reasonably practicable.
Employers should consider:
- Wet cutting techniques
- Water suppression systems
- Dust suppression during cleaning activities
- Avoiding dry sweeping methods
Wet cleaning or industrial vacuum systems fitted with appropriate filters are generally safer alternatives.
Use Suitable Extraction and Ventilation
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems play a critical role in controlling airborne contaminants at the source.
Employers should ensure:
- LEV systems are suitable for the task being undertaken
- Extraction points are positioned effectively
- Systems are maintained and inspected regularly
- Thorough examination and testing is completed where required
- Employees understand how to use controls correctly
General ventilation alone is unlikely to adequately control higher-risk dust exposure.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
Where exposure cannot be adequately controlled through engineering measures alone, suitable RPE should be provided.
Businesses should ensure:
- Masks are appropriate for the specific hazard and correct British Standard
- Face-fit testing is completed where required
- Equipment is maintained and stored correctly
- Employees receive suitable instruction and training in its use
RPE should be considered the final line of defence rather than the primary control measure and covered in PPE/RPE assessments.
Housekeeping and Workplace Standards
Poor housekeeping can allow dust to accumulate and become airborne again through movement or cleaning activities.
Employers should regularly review:
- Cleaning methods
- Waste management arrangements
- Dust accumulation around machinery or work areas
- Storage of dusty materials
- Frequency of workplace cleaning
Good housekeeping standards are often one of the first areas reviewed during HSE inspections.
Training and Employee Awareness
Employees should understand:
- The health risks associated with dust exposure
- Why controls are necessary
- How extraction and suppression systems work
- The correct use of RPE/PPE
- The importance of reporting damaged equipment or ineffective controls
Workers should also be encouraged to report respiratory symptoms or concerns at an early stage.
Health Surveillance
Where employees are regularly exposed to hazardous dusts, health surveillance may be required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
This may include:
- Respiratory health questionnaires
- Lung function testing
- Occupational health assessments
Early detection can help prevent long-term harm and demonstrate proactive management of workplace health risks.
Final Thoughts
The HSE has made it clear that workplace dust exposure remains a major enforcement priority throughout 2026 and 2027.
Businesses should use this period to review existing dust control measures, COSHH assessments, respiratory protection arrangements, and employee training to ensure standards remain suitable and effective.
Effective dust management is not only about compliance – it is about protecting the long-term health and wellbeing of everyone in the workplace.