The Health and Safety Executive has publicly named four companies ordered to halt work with engineered stone. Inspectors issued prohibition notices following a targeted campaign against dry cutting and silica dust exposure.

By Sarah Donnelly · Published 22 October 2026 · 2 min read

The Health and Safety Executive has publicly named four companies served with prohibition notices for unsafe work with engineered stone. Inspectors halted operations at the firms after discovering workers were exposed to deadly respirable crystalline silica dust. The enforcement action follows new regulatory guidance banning the dry cutting of engineered stone.

Background

The named companies are Creative Quartz Ltd in Worcester, Mr Granite Ltd in Coventry, Surfacestone (UK) Limited in Oldbury, and Italia Stone Ltd in Bedford. According to the HSE, inspectors issued the notices after finding the businesses failed to keep workers safe from silica exposure. The regulator launched a nationwide inspection campaign earlier this year to tackle the issue.

Industry implications

Publicly naming non-compliant firms marks a significant escalation in HSE enforcement strategy. Prohibition notices immediately stop site operations, causing severe project delays and financial losses. Principal contractors using these suppliers now face supply chain disruptions and potential scrutiny of their own procurement checks.

What contractors should do now

Principal contractors must audit their supply chains to ensure no subcontractors are dry cutting engineered stone. Site managers must verify that wet cutting methods and local exhaust ventilation systems are fully operational. Employers must also implement regular health surveillance for any workers exposed to silica dust.

Expert view

This enforcement action demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach to silica dust exposure. The HSE is treating respirable crystalline silica with the same regulatory severity as asbestos. Naming the companies serves as a direct warning to the wider industry that poor respiratory protection will result in public reputational damage.

What happens next

The HSE plans to carry out more than 1,000 targeted inspections focusing on engineered stone fabrication. The four named companies can only resume work once they prove to inspectors that adequate safety measures are in place. Further prohibition notices are expected to be published as the inspection campaign continues.

Sources