Silica dust: a preventable workplace danger
A 32-year-old kitchen fitter died of lung disease after coming into contact with dangerous levels of silica dust, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen workplace safety.
Malik Al-Khalil was diagnosed with silicosis in 2023 after five years cutting quartz – an engineered stone popular in modern kitchens. Malik died after becoming unable to walk or breathe unaided, and before his death he urged the Government to ban the stone.
Since his death in 2025, the Health and Safety Executive has banned dry cutting of stone, with wet stone cutting – which reduces the amount of dust – allowed.
But is enough being done to protect workers from a known and potentially deadly workplace hazard?
At Bolt Burdon Kemp (BBK), we believe that as well as legislation to prevent workplace injuries, the UK needs effective enforcement, meaningful accountability and a willingness to take decisive action when existing safeguards are not enough.
What is silica dust, and why is it so dangerous?
Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials such as stone, sand and concrete. When materials containing crystalline silica are cut, ground, drilled or polished, fine particles can become airborne and be inhaled.
Breathing in crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, a serious and progressive occupational lung disease. It causes inflammation and irreversible scarring in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as breathlessness, persistent coughing, chest pain and fatigue.
The condition can worsen over time, affecting a person’s ability to work, live independently and enjoy everyday life. Workers cutting and fabricating engineered stone worktops are particularly at risk, although construction, demolition, stone masonry and other industries can also involve exposure.
The risks extend beyond silicosis. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), breathing in respirable crystalline silica can also cause lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that can lead to severe breathlessness and long-term disability.
The danger is particularly concerning because the fine dust can be invisible, and the effects of repeated exposure may take years to become apparent. By the time symptoms develop, significant and irreversible damage may already have occurred.
This makes effective dust control, appropriate respiratory protection and early medical assessment essential for workers in high-risk industries.
Exposure can be prevented through appropriate workplace controls, such as cutting the stone wet and providing suitable protective equipment, but the damage caused by silicosis cannot simply be reversed. The consequences can extend beyond the worker, affecting families through financial uncertainty, caring responsibilities and the emotional impact of serious illness.
Should the UK ban engineered stone?
Australia has introduced a ban on engineered stone containing crystalline silica, prompting renewed calls for similar action in Britain.
BBK believes the Government should seriously consider an outright ban. Where a material presents significant risks to workers, the effectiveness of existing controls must be examined carefully, and stronger measures considered where necessary.
Commercial interests must not take precedence over workers’ health. Alongside consideration of a ban, existing workplace protections must be effectively enforced to reduce exposure and prevent further cases of occupational disease.
Supporting workers affected by silicosis
Alongside preventing future cases, workers who may already have been exposed must have access to appropriate medical advice and support. Anyone experiencing symptoms that may be linked to silica dust should seek medical advice and explain their occupational history.
Where an employer has failed to meet its legal duties to protect a worker and this has led to harmful silica exposure, there may be grounds for a compensation claim. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may cover lost earnings, medical costs, care and rehabilitation, and the impact on quality of life. Eligible dependants may also be able to pursue a claim following a fatal case.
BBK’s solicitors can advise on potential claims and the evidence needed to establish whether an employer may be held responsible.
Compensation cannot undo the damage caused by silicosis or replace a loved one. However, where a claim is justified, it may provide financial support and help hold those responsible to account.
Turning awareness into action
Malik Al-Khalil’s death should be a call to action. The Government must seriously consider a ban on engineered stone, strengthen enforcement and ensure workers have access to appropriate health surveillance and support.
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, our Manifesto for Injured People reflects our commitment to driving change as well as supporting individuals after serious injury or illness.
Every worker deserves to return home safely. Stronger protections, effective enforcement and meaningful accountability are essential to preventing further silica-related illness and deaths.
Read our 2026 Manifesto for Injured People to learn more about the changes we are calling for.
