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News A ban on unsafe cutting of kitchen worktop stone was introduced today for the first time by UK regulators, after The i Paper sounded the alarm over rising silicosis cases in young tradesmen. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has unveiled new rules to stop “dry cutting” of engineered stone – also known as quartz – and confirm water suppression tools to dampen lung-shredding dust are a legal requirement to protect workers. As part of an enforcement crackdown, HSE will carry out 1,000 nationwide inspections of workplaces over the next 12 months. The first inspections have taken place, with action to be launched against firms and individuals breaching the guidance. Offenders breaching health and safety law risk possible criminal prosecution, up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine. It marks a victory for The i Paper’s Killer Kitchens campaign, which has pushed for a ban on dry cutting to protect stonemasons from deadly dust, and for a HSE crackdown on rogue employers who put their workers’ lives at risk by failing to provide adequate protection.
Published: May 11, 2026 5:00 am
Source: The i Paper — Read original