INDUSTRY UPDATE THE KBSA COLUMN WORKTOP FABRICATORS FEDERATION


Worktop Fabricators Federation respond to new HSE guidelines on engineered stone safety


KBSA welcomes four new members to the association T K


BSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association Ltd) is delighted to announce that two Approved


Members and two Partner Members have joined its growing network. As the only trade association committed to representing independent KBB specialists in the UK, these additions further serve to strengthen the community. “The fact that new retailers and suppliers are consistently joining our


ranks shows that we’re definitely doing something right – though there is lots more to come. I’m delighted to welcome Retto Interiors, Oxford Kitchens & Bathrooms, Foyne Jones and Surface Studios, and can’t wait to share our plans for the future of our association with them all.” – Richard Hibbert, KBSA National Chair. Oxford Kitchens & Bathrooms has been crafting bespoke kitchens


and bathroom since 1979. Now under the ownership of Alex and Paul Briggs, the business offers a complete service, from specification and sourcing to installation and finish. Retto Interiors is a Kent-based specialist in luxury kitchens and living


spaces. Its name comes from the Italian word for open and honest, which captures how the team approaches every project. Foyne Jones is an executive search and recruitment service for the


KBB, merchant and construction sales markets. Founded by Peter Jones in 2003, the company has built a reputation for a personal and individual approach to recruitment and supplies sectors including national builders merchants, independent showrooms and world-wide manufacturers. Surface Studios creates design-led wall and floor tiles for homes and


commercial spaces. Its collections of porcelain, ceramic and glass tiles are crafted in Italy and Spain and offer premium technical performance and lasting durability. Are you an independent KBB retailer considering KBSA membership? Get in touch with our team to see how we can support you.


uMore details are available from The KBSA www.kbsa.org.uk or call 01623 818808


he Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) welcomes the Health and Safety Executive’s renewed focus on


safe working practices within the engineered stone fabrication sector and its continued efforts to raise awareness of the risks associated with respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. The message from HSE is clear: dry cutting of engineered stone is


not acceptable. Fabricators must ensure that effective control measures are in place to protect workers from exposure to hazardous dust, including the use of appropriate dust suppression methods, local exhaust ventilation, respiratory protective equipment and robust safe working procedures. The WFF has consistently supported the drive for higher standards


across the worktop fabrication industry and believes that protecting the health, wellbeing and safety of workers must remain the highest priority. The Federation continues to promote responsible working practices and encourages all businesses involved in the fabrication of engineered stone to ensure they understand and follow the latest requirements. Responsible fabricators have already invested significantly in improved


equipment, employee training, workplace controls and production processes to meet these expectations. By adopting best practice standards and maintaining strong safety procedures, businesses can help reduce risks while supporting a more sustainable and responsible future for the industry. The WFF recognises that strong enforcement and clear guidance from


the HSE will help create a fairer operating environment for businesses that prioritise safety and comply with workplace health requirements. It also reinforces the importance of ensuring that all fabricators, employees and employers understand their responsibilities when working with materials that can generate RCS dust. The Federation encourages all fabricators to review their current


working practices, assess their existing controls and ensure they continue to meet the latest HSE guidance. Through ongoing awareness, investment and commitment to safe working standards, the industry can continue to protect its workforce and maintain confidence in responsible fabrication practices.


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


BKU JULY 2026 43


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