HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES


Meanwhile, the UK framework is well established. Under COSHH, the Workplace Exposure Limit for RCS is 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA), and employers must prevent exposure where reasonably practicable or ensure it is adequately controlled.


Effective management follows the hierarchy of control:


• Elimination or substitution. • Engineering controls such as water suppression and local exhaust ventilation (LEV).


• Administrative controls including training and task design.


• Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) as a supplementary measure.


Where implemented effectively, these measures can significantly reduce exposure.


THE CHALLENGE OF IMPLEMENTATION


Evidence presented to parliament, alongside Thompsons’ casework, suggests the main challenge is the consistent application of these controls across different work settings.


Variation is evident between large sites and smaller or subcontracted operations. In some environments:


• Dry cutting still occurs. • LEV systems are poorly specified or maintained. • RPE is relied on as a primary control.


These gaps suggest inconsistent standards and applications across complex supply chains rather than a lack of awareness.


INSIGHTS FROM CASEWORK


Through its industrial disease work, Thompsons has insight into how these issues develop over time.


In one anonymised case, a quarry worker spent years operating equipment in persistently dusty conditions, with effective respiratory protection introduced late. He was diagnosed with silicosis in his early 50s and now lives with ongoing breathlessness.


In another, a worker in crushing and screening operations experienced regular exposure to airborne dust, including in enclosed spaces. Decades later, he developed symptoms and was diagnosed following clinical investigation.


While not necessarily representative of all workplaces, these cases reflect patterns seen in Thompsons’ work, where control measures have not been consistently effective. They are indicative of many silicosis sufferers whose symptoms have developed over time; however, increasingly, cases involving engineered stone are emerging far more rapidly.


UNDERSTANDING THE SCALE


The true scale of the issue remains uncertain. Silicosis develops gradually, and early symptoms may be attributed to other conditions. This can lead to under- recognition and delayed diagnosis.


Clinicians contributing to the APPG discussion highlighted the need for improved surveillance, particularly in relation to newer materials such as engineered stone.


THE ROLE OF COLLABORATION


Addressing these issues requires coordination across disciplines. Thompsons supports affected workers while working with trade unions, clinicians and occupational hygiene specialists to bring practical evidence into wider discussion.


The APPG session brought these groups together to examine how controls operate in practice and where improvements may be needed.


STRENGTHENING PREVENTION IN PRACTICE


For OSH professionals, the key lesson is familiar: regulation is only as effective as its implementation.


In the context of silica, that includes:


• Ensuring controls are appropriate to materials and processes.


• Maintaining and testing LEV and suppression systems. • Avoiding reliance on RPE as the primary control. • Adapting risk assessments to evolving materials and practices.


Ongoing training, supervision and monitoring remain essential, particularly in smaller or transient work settings.


A CONTINUING PRIORITY


Silicosis remains entirely preventable, and the controls required to reduce exposure are well established.


As International Workers’ Memorial Day reminds us, occupational disease often develops out of sight and over time. Ensuring that known risks such as silica are effectively controlled in practice remains central to protecting long-term worker health.


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