INDUSTRY UPDATE WORKTOP FABRICATORS FEDERATION


Worktop Fabricators Federation – The dust has settled – now the work begins


to embrace safer working practices. With the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) updated guidance now


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published and enforcement activity underway, the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) believes the stone fabrication industry has reached a defining moment. Following months of scientific research, consultation and collaboration


between the HSE, medical experts and industry representatives, the focus must now shift from discussion to action. The message is simple: Don’t dry cut. Don’t breathe it in. Don’t take it home. Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) remains one of the industry’s most


significant occupational health risks. Exposure can lead to serious and irreversible illnesses, including silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These diseases are preventable through effective dust control, safe systems of work, appropriate training and good health surveillance. Over the past two years, WFF members have worked closely with the


HSE, opening their workshops to scientific research, contributing to discussions on the findings and supporting the development of evidence- based guidance. The Federation welcomed the HSE’s updated guidance at The Stone Show in May, and since enforcement activity began in June has extended technical support and advice to both members and non- members to help businesses meet the new standards. The Federation has also launched its new WFF Accreditation Quality


Mark, recognising fabricators that demonstrate excellence in health and safety, compliance and best practice. It is encouraging kitchen studios, retailers, designers and specifiers to carry out greater due diligence when selecting fabrication partners, helping to improve standards throughout the supply chain. Nigel Fletcher, Operations Officer of the Worktop Fabricators


Federation, said: “The evidence surrounding respirable crystalline silica is clear, and the HSE’s guidance reflects that evidence. Eliminating dry cutting, controlling dust at source and preventing workers from taking hazardous dust home are essential steps in protecting lives. “Good businesses have nothing to fear from these changes. By working


together, we can create healthier workplaces, raise standards across the industry and build a more sustainable future for everyone involved in stone fabrication.”


u07591 339 144 uoffice@worktopfabricators.org uwww.worktopfabricators.org


44 BKU AUGUST 2026


orktop Fabricators Federation welcomes HSE’s strengthened silica guidance and calls on the industry


InSinkErator’s Ashley Munden marks four decades with the company


marking a career defined by innovation, leadership, and mentorship. Over four decades, his influence has been widely recognised, and he has


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overseen the sale of over one million food waste disposers, contributing to hundreds of millions in revenue. “I feel proud of how far InSinkErator has come”, said Munden.


“Witnessing the company’s growth and the evolution of our product range has been incredible.” “It’s been fantastic to watch colleagues around me flourish and I’ve been


fortunate to work with incredible people, both past and present. Some of the most rewarding moments have been spent mentoring and seeing individuals develop in their role, making a real impact on the business. It’s important to me to express my gratitude to an incredibly talented EMEA team who have driven InSinkErator’s growth.” “I’m excited about the future and to lead the EMEA team to achieve


further success over the coming years. I feel fortunate to have been able to build strong relationships with our customers, without whom we simply would not have been able to establish the business and achieve this success.” For more information on InSinkErator and its products, please visit


the website. uhttps://www.insinkerator.com/en-gb


nSinkErator Managing Director for EMEA, Ashley Munden, is celebrating an impressive 40 years with the business,


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