← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Workplace Exposure to Silica Dust
02 June 2026
Lead MP
Liz Jarvis
Responding Minister
Stephen Timms
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 3715
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Liz Jarvis raised concerns about workplace exposure to silica dust in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Jarvis urged the Minister to consider introducing a targeted national screening programme for workers in high-risk sectors and to make silica safety part of compulsory training. She also asked if the HSE has sufficient capacity, staffing and resources to effectively regulate this sector, and called for silicosis to be reinstated as a notifiable disease.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The hon. Member Liz Jarvis expressed deep concern over the increasing number of workers, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, exposed to silica dust due to its presence in engineered stone. She highlighted that around 600,000 workers are exposed annually, yet current measures by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) may be insufficient to address this growing occupational health crisis. Jarvis cited a case where George Elliott, a stonemason who worked on buildings including 10 Downing Street, died from silicosis in November 2023 following undiagnosed exposure.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Wansbeck
Mr Lavery highlighted the dangers of silicosis caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica, affecting groups such as engineered stone fabricators and installers, construction workers, quarrying workers, miners, tunnellers, and foundry workers. He emphasised that young migrant workers in precarious employment face heightened risk due to inadequate protections.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commemorates the hon. Lady for securing the debate and highlights the significant health issues caused by exposure to RCS dust, citing Health and Safety Executive statistics that silica dust is responsible for approximately 20 lung cancer deaths per year in Northern Ireland. He also notes that a quarry worker there has a five times higher risk of dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to the general male population. Mr Shannon asked whether visitors to factories and quarry sites are required to wear protective clothing and respiratory masks, as is mandated for workers.
Government Response
Stephen Timms
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship this afternoon, Dr Allin-Khan. I congratulate the hon. Member for Eastleigh (Liz Jarvis) on securing this important debate. Workers exposed to engineered stone containing high levels of crystalline silica face severe and irreversible lung damage; silicosis can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) introduced a ban on engineered stone in July 2024 and is developing a quality mark for worktops with strict silica safety standards, including the use of lower silica products below 30%. HSE launched a campaign to enforce control measures such as water suppression of dust and mist control. They are also consulting on expanding requirements in the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) to include silicosis. Over 1,000 inspections will be carried out across the industry with prohibition notices served for dry processing and unguarded machinery. Eight businesses received improvement notices for failing to provide correct respiratory equipment or health surveillance. HSE remains committed to ensuring every worker is protected from this avoidable harm.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.