British Safety Council calls on UK Government to ban silica-containing materials

The British Safety Council has published a major call to action on its website, urging the UK Government to introduce a full ban on high‑silica stone products within the next five years. Their announcement follows new research involving more than 2,000 workers, revealing widespread concern about the serious health risks associated with cutting materials that contain silica.

According to the British Safety Council’s findings, 62% of workers surveyed said they were concerned or very concerned about silica dust exposure, while 16% reported having little to no knowledge of the harm it can cause. Current pageCurrent page. At the same time, 16% reported having little to no knowledge about silica-related harms.

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) — released when cutting stone, concrete, brick, or engineered stone — is known to cause silicosis, COPD, and increase the risk of lung cancer. The charity highlights that although regulations and controls can reduce exposure, they cannot eliminate the danger entirely. The British Safety Council is, therefore, calling on the UK Government to follow in the footsteps of Australia and ban high‑silica stone products within the next five years.

What the British Safety Council is calling for.

The organisation is urging the Government to follow Australia’s lead by phasing out high‑silica engineered stone, with a complete ban on import and export within five years. During this transition period, they want to see:

• A ban on dry cutting
• Mandatory competent‑person sign‑off for high‑risk work
• Tighter controls across industries using silica‑rich materials

This push forms part of their new Hidden Hazards campaign, aimed at raising awareness of invisible workplace risks, starting with silica dust.

A stark warning from the British Safety Council

Chief Executive Mike Robinson emphasised the human cost behind everyday products like quartz kitchen worktops, stating that every cut or drill releases microscopic dust capable of causing permanent lung damage. He highlighted that around 500 workers in the UK die each year due to silica exposure, with thousands more affected by COPD linked to workplace conditions. Current pageCurrent page. That is why we want to see high-silica containing products banned from coming into or leaving the UK within five years.

Robinson stressed that these deaths are preventable, provided there is political and public will to act.

Why this matters

The British Safety Council argues that current HSE guidance does not go far enough to protect workers. They are calling for collaboration between Government, unions, retailers, consumers, and industry to phase out high‑silica products and establish safer alternatives.

Read more on their website linked below.