Future action on silicosis?

It invariably develops following inhalation of respirable crystalline silica, (RCS) with the risk increasing the greater the duration and heaviness of the exposure.

Silica is a natural substance found in all stones, with sandstone typically containing up to 75% silica content, although manmade, engineered stones such as quartz can contain up to 95% silica.

Historically, silicosis cases were highest amongst occupational groups such as stonemasons and those working in foundries, mining and quarrying. Whilst over time, silicosis cases within these occupational groups have reduced – principally through increased safety regulation but also by the decline of these industries - the current trend for quartz worktops in kitchen and bathroom designs has sparked concern that there will be an increase in such cases in the UK.

Following a surge of silicosis cases in Australia and a report by the policy body “Safe Work Australia”, the Australian government outlawed the use of engineered stone in December 2023 – the ban being effective from July this year.

The “i” Newspaper (9 July) reported that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are to meet representatives from Safe Work Australia amidst concerns raised by The All Party Parliamentary Committee on Respiratory Health that the UK in future years may face a similar problem to Australia. 

The “i” reported comments made by Lord Younger, Government Minister at the Department for Work and Pensions, rebutting safety concerns; “the scale of the problem (in Australia), does not bear comparison with the UK”.

Whilst the UK has some of the most stringent workers’ safety regulations in Europe (and conversely one of the lowest rates of workplace fatalities), the concern relates primarily to exposure in smaller workshops which are most likely to have lower standards of extraction and ventilation, respiratory protective equipment and health surveillance. We will report developments with interest.