What is the risk?

Silicosis is a serious, irreversible lung disease caused by breathing in respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, which is created when stone, brick, concrete or engineered stone is cut, ground or polished.

The damage can continue even after exposure stops, and RCS is also linked with COPD and lung cancer. Silicosis is a progressive disease, requiring early diagnosis and treatment. At present, there are no mandatory screening processes in place in the United Kingdom.

Professor Neil Greenberg, president of the Society of Occupational Medicine said:

“If you’re working in an industry that uses asbestos, you have to have occupational health professionals advise you and do the surveillance. And so we would say, because the kitchen countertop industry is one which exposes people to the risk of a serious illness – silicosis, it’s like asbestos – there should be similar mandates that they must have access to occupational health.”

Who is affected?

Stonemasons are a key at-risk group, but they are not alone. The HSE identifies workers in stone working, constructio

n, quarrying, ceramics, foundries and worktop manufacture/installation as being at risk where silica-containing materials are processed. Concern has grown sharply around younger men working with engineered stone kitchen worktops, with recent UK reporting warning that more cases are likely to be found as awareness improves.

Signs and symptoms

One of the biggest concerns with silicosis is that harmful exposure may cause damage before symptoms appear.

When symptoms do develop, they can often be misdiagnosed. Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• A persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Phlegm and frequent or prolonged chest infections

Recent reporting also highlights concerns that some younger workers have initially been misdiagnosed with sarcoidosis, delaying the correct diagnosis. It is thought that as awareness increases, so too will early diagnosis.

Proposed changes screening

Silicosis in stone working is now on the UK political agenda. In Parliament, ministers previously said HSE was not considering restricting engineered stone and that silicosis was not currently reportable, although reporting requirements were under review. More recently, campaigners, clinicians and MPs have pushed for workforce screening, better reporting, stronger enforcement and a ban on dry-cutting high-silica engineered stone.

In March 2026, Liz Jarvis MP said she would table a Silica Dust (Exposure) Bill calling for prevention, monitoring, reporting and screening. HSE also refreshed its health surveillance guidance in 2025, making clear that worktop manufacturing and installation are high-risk occupations where surveillance must be considered.

Health and safety best practice

Where workers are regularly exposed to hazardous materials and disease could develop, health surveillance is a legal requirement. Silicosis is preventable, but only if controls are applied consistently:

• Assess the risk properly, avoid or reduce dust at source
  • Use water suppression and effective extraction
  • Select lower-silica materials where possible
• Provide suitable RPE for higher-risk tasks
• Maintain good housekeeping
• Review controls regularly

As with the recent HSE inspections at bakeries and within the vehicle repair industry, ensuring workers are protected from occupational hazards should be at the forefront of all business’ priorities. For any support with air quality monitoring, training or occupational health support, reach out to the LRB Consulting Ltd team to find the right support for you.

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The Guardian recently reported

The majority of these fires were reported by the London Fire Brigade (206, bikes and scooters), Nottinghamshire (30 bikes), Greater Manchester (13 ebikes, 13 escooters) and Avon (10). As such, the online market for lithium-ion batteries has been called into question.

These figures follow a recent fire at Glasgow Station, that was also reportedly caused by lithium-ion batteries, and highlight the growing concerns around safe storage and faulty or counterfeit products.

Counterfeit products

The London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign advises that:

“Many of these fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty or counterfeit products which are purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries and conversion kits for e-bikes.”

The concerns regarding counterfeit products and the online marketplace are echoed by the National Fire Chief’s Council, calling for tighter controls on online sales.

What are the risks?

Lithium-ion batteries have become commonplace in daily life, being used to power smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, ecigarettes, ebikes and escooters. These offer advantages such as fast charging, low maintenance, and prolonged life spans. However, poorly maintained, incorrectly used, or counterfeit batteries pose several key risks:

• Thermal runaway: A battery’s internal temperature rises uncontrollably, leading to a chain reaction of exothermic reactions. This can result in the release of flammable gases, increased pressure, fires or explosions
• Toxic gases: During a fire, batteries can release toxic gases, including carbon monoxide or volatile organic compounds
• Reignition: During thermal runaway, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are incredibly hard to control and extinguish, and can often result in significant damage

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can spread quickly, and can cause significant damage to property, and even loss of life.

Protecting your workforce

Workplaces are also vulnerable to these risks when lithium-ion battery powered equipment is used, or when staff bring their own electrical items into the workplace. Some simple steps that can be taken to protect your workplace:

• Implement a clear  personal electrical items policy. This should prohibit charging of high‑risk items (such as e‑bike batteries and modified electronics), require visual checks for damage, and restrict charging to designated, monitored areas equipped with smoke detection.
• Provide staff training. Employees should understand that “cut‑price” or counterfeit devices pose a real danger to colleagues and property, as well as posing significant risks outside of work. Toolbox talks can be implemented to ensure staff are aware and aligned to the personal electrical items policy.
• Conduct appropriate risk assessments and implement safety strategies: For any work-obtained products containing lithium-ion batteries, ensure these are purchased from reputable suppliers. Conduct a suitable risk assessment, or include in the fire safety risk assessment, and ensure that any precautionary measures are put in place to minimise any damage
• Work equipment: If you are buying any lithium-ion battery powered equipment, ensure this is from a reputable manufacturer and complies with your company’s supplier requirements. Make sure that equipment is maintained in a suitable condition, regularly inspected, and subject to suitable control measures.

Get support

If you require any support with a personal electrical device policy, lithium-ion battery advice or risk assessments, reach out to LRB Consulting Ltd today on 01509 550023 or at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk

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Fine after a lathe accident left employee with amputated finger

One notable case involved a machine manufacturing company in Middleton, where an employee lost a finger after their glove became caught in a metalworking lathe. HSE investigators found that the company had not properly assessed the risks and lacked an adequate safe system of work. Crucially, HSE guidance states that emery cloth should never be applied directly by hand when using such machinery, underlining the need for clear procedures and operator training.

Fine after employer’s fingers severed in printing machine

In another February prosecution, a South Kirby wooden cable drum manufacturer was fined after an employee’s fingers were partially severed when they were drawn into unguarded rollers during cleaning operations. The investigation revealed that dangerous parts of the machine had not been effectively guarded, placing the worker at risk during normal tasks. The HSE inspector said:

“An employee was tasked with cleaning the printer without provision of suitable information, instruction or training, particularly in relation to the safety devices intended to protect them.”

Ensuring machinery safety

These cases reinforce a consistent message that employers must ensure machinery is:

• Safely isolated
• Properly guarded
• Supported by thorough risk assessments
• Not used until suitable training has been provided
• Actively monitored against safety standards

Regular training, supervision and adherence to HSE guidance are essential in preventing avoidable injuries. By learning from recent prosecutions, organisations can strengthen their safety culture and safeguard their workforce against similar incidents.

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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a series of nationwide inspections across large bakeries to address a long‑standing but often underestimated hazard: exposure to flour dust and other airborne bakery ingredients. These inspections, running from January 2026, aim to ensure that employers are taking proper steps to protect workers in dusty environments from respiratory risks including occupational asthma and respiratory sensitisation.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)

The HSE state that employers must follow the COSHH hierarchy of controls, and will assess bakeries on whether they have suitably managed their risks by:

• Elimination: Removal of dusty processes (e.g. using non-stick belts instead of flour dusting)
• Substitution: Replacing dusty ingredients with low-dust alternatives (e.g. with gel-based ingredients or low-dust flour or wet flour)
• Ventilation: Consider local exhaust ventilation or engineering controls
• Last resort: Implementing respiratory protection (RPE) as a last resort if the above measures cannot fully eliminate risk

Health surveillance

Employers of large bakeries should also ensure that health surveillance is in place for workers in high-risk environments for occupational asthma and respiratory sensitisation. Further information on the health surveillance required can be found in the COSHH Essentials General Guidance.

What can you do to prepare for inspection?

Alongside adhering to the COSHH hierarchy of controls outlined and ensuring heath surveillance is in place, bakeries can prepare for HSE inspections using the steps below to ensure bast practice is maintained throughout the workplace.

• Engineer effective controls: Install local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at sources such as ingredient tipping points, sifters, weigh stations, mixers, and dough handling area. These should be inspected daily to ensure they are working properly, and regular maintenance should be scheduled
• Ensure good cleaning practices: The HSE advise that four should never be cleared by sweeping or using compressed air, as this increases the risk of exposure. Using wet cleaning methods or industrial vacuum cleaners (minimum M class) should be used to safely clear dust. Employers should ensure that cleaning SOPs are clear, and that staff are trained appropriately. Good cleaning practices should be monitored and enforced by supervisors
• Standardise dust‑minimising work practices: Review workplace practices and ensure all workers are trained to avoid creating dust clouds during tipping, sieving, weighing and dough dusting. Introduce and reinforce controlled tipping techniques, enclosed transfer points, and measured dosing to prevent over‑application
• Review and prepare documentation: Ensure all appropriate documentation has been collated for ease of review. This should include, but is not limited to: COSHH assessments, risk assessments, LEV maintenance records, training records, exposure monitoring reports, health surveillance information and workplace policies or SOPs
• Prepare workers for upcoming inspections: Ensure all workers are prepared for a potential upcoming HSE inspection. Ensure best practices are upheld, and inspectors are able to complete their reviews without delay.

Reducing occupational exposure

Ultimately, HSE’s message is simple: preventing exposure prevents disease. By prioritising elimination, substitution, and robust control measures, bakeries can protect their workforce and promote good working practices.

If you have any questions about occupational dust exposure or dust monitoring, contact us at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk, or call us on 01509 55 00 23

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Before travel: As an employer

When weather conditions create dangerous road conditions, consideration should be given to planning journeys for workers.

• Manage workloads and expectations: Ensure drivers are encouraged and able to take suitable breaks to avoid fatigue
• Plan journeys appropriately: Consideration should be given to avoiding unnecessary journeys in poor weather conditions and rescheduling where appropriate
• Carrying out simple routine checks: For example, if workers are using their own vehicles, ensure they have adequate business insurance, and their vehicle is maintained in a suitable and roadworthy condition. For work vehicles, ensuring routine maintenance and vehicle checks are upheld prior to travel

Before travel: As a worker

Before travelling in winter, you can ensure your vehicle is ready with a few simple checks:

• Tyres: Check your trye pressure and tread depth are suitable
• Lights: Winter brings longer periods of darkness. Ensure all lights are working and replace flat bulbs
• Wipers: Check your windscreen wipers to ensure these are working properly. Make sure you’ve got windscreen washer fluid and antifreeze
• Fuel: Make sure you have enough fuel to travel with, and account for slower or longer journey times
• Visibility: Ensure the vehicle is fully de-iced and de-misted before beginning your journey

Travel kit

If you find yourself stuck due to adverse weather, motorway closures or heavy traffic, make sure you have a few emergency supplies in your vehicle in case you need them:

• Warm clothing: A warm coat, had and gloves or blanket
• Snacks: A few snacks and bottled water can be left in the boot, in case they’re needed
• First aid kit: A small first aid kit for any minor injuries
• Phone charger: In case of long delays or emergencies, it’s best to be able to keep in contact

When you travel

Driving in cold conditions increases stopping time and comes with the risk of sliding on ice. Being patient, careful and aware of others will help to keep you and others safe in the cold.

Going slowly, increasing following distance, gentle manoeuvres and low gears are all useful ways to adapt your driving.

Find out more about driving in adverse conditions in the Highway Code, here.

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Read on to hear our consultant’s responses.

What inspired you to work in health and safety? Why did you choose to work in this industry?

Nigel: I was drawn to the idea of promoting safety. As a consultant, I have the ability to be able to promote safety to multiple companies which has the potential to keep more people safe. There is something ‘world-changing’ about that.

 Lucy: Having worked previously in hospitality, I developed an interest in food safety and health and safety. To be a part of the environmental health industry allows me to help prevent food-based illness, accidents and ill health in the workplace and beyond. Seeing companies make positive changes that directly impact both staff and consumers is main my motivation for working at LRB Consulting Ltd.

Mike: I have witnessed a lot of poor health and safety practices in the past and was keen to help people to do a better job. I care a lot about helping people, so to be able to play a pragmatic role in keeping people safe motivates me.

Jo: Having witnessed the impact of a workplace fatality several years ago, I was compelled to follow a career in health and safety. My passion drives me to make a real difference in protecting lives and creating safer workplaces. I enjoy the challenge of identifying risks and implementing practical solutions that foster a strong safety culture. As a consultant, I can collaborate across all levels, influence positive behaviours, and keep on top of industry best practices. Health and safety is not just about compliance to me; it’s about caring for people and ensuring they return home safely every day.

A dedicated team

Health and safety isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about making sure everyone is able to work in a safe environment. Their answers reveal the values that drive everything we do. We would like to extend our thanks to our dedicated consultants for the drive they bring to their roles.

Would you like to learn more about how we can help your business create a safer workplace? Contact us at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk or on 01509 550023 to find out more.

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As part of National Stress Week, the HSE emphasised employers’ responsibilities to proactively manage stress. With this in mind, we are focusing this blog on managing stress during peaks, with a focus on the run up to the holidays.

What causes stress?

Work-related stress in warehousing environments can stem from increased targets, long shifts, and a lack of adequate breaks. Physical strain from repetitive movements and poor workstation ergonomics adds to mental pressure, while limited communication can leave employees feeling unsupported. Alongside work-related stress, external pressures (e.g. financial stress, family pressures, seasonal illnesses) can also build up in this period, adding to workers’ stress levels.

How can stress be managed in these peaks?

• Shift planning and fair rotas: Ensure there is adequate cover for shifts in busy periods. During periods of high activity, planning cover for absences due to illness will help alleviate additional strain due to reduced manpower
• Consider seasonal support: Consider hiring temporary workers to support the increased demand. Appropriate health and safety provision (e.g. training, inductions etc.) should be in place for all seasonal / temporary workers.
• Micro-breaks and job rotation: Short pauses help reduce physical strain and mental fatigue, improving focus and reducing errors. Even in high-pressure situations, ensure people are able to step away from their work and take time to rest between tasks
• Good leadership: Ensure clear communication on targets at the start of each shift and remember that safety comes first. Listen to any concerns from your team, and ensure steps are taken to resolve these, avoiding further stressors

Mental wellbeing

Beyond operational management, investment in wellbeing initiatives can have a positive impact during work peaks.

A proactive approach to mental health not only safeguards workers but also enhances efficiency during the busiest time of year. Reducing stressors and supporting people appropriately can help prevent bigger issues.

Ensuring your business has a provision for mental health support (e.g. management support, access to mental health support, mental health first aiders or ambassadors) can ensure that suitable support is available when stress levels rise.

Conclusion

The holidays are a busy time for many industries, but this shouldn’t come at the cost of worker wellbeing. By planning ahead, reinforcing training and providing the right support structures, companies can continue to develop a good health and safety culture.

If you would like a free Toolbox talk on stress, please contact enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk

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What inspired you to start your own health and safety consultancy?

There were two complementary factors: some rigidity in approach where I was working, and frequently seeing people struggle with understanding chemical risks.

I was working with a company that had some rigid approaches to health and safety that suited consultant productivity rather than the needs of the client. An opportunity came up that would allow me to trial a more flexible approach of working with clients, and I chose to do this – through LRB Consulting Ltd.

My background, before a career in health and safety, was in chemistry. When I moved into managing health and safety in this role, I saw that there was disconnect between people managing the workplace and people understanding the risks from exposure to chemicals. I could see there was a real need for a health and safety partner who could understand and explain COSHH, not just in the chemical industry but across all workplaces.

There is sometimes a negative perception that health and safety is all about telling you what you can’t do. This isn’t my experience or my approach. Health and safety is about preventing harm, pragmatic solutions, and keeping people safe. I started LRB Consulting Ltd to share that ethos, and provide a different approach.

What are three of the biggest lessons you have learned over 25 years at the helm of the company?

One of the things I’ve always enjoyed is that in health and safety, there’s always something new to uncover, or something new to learn. In order to work well with our clients, the three biggest learnings I’ve found are:

1. Listen – Take the time to listen to clients, understand the nuance and understand their needs and concerns. It’s incredibly difficult to provide good advice if you don’t. The right approach for one company can be vastly different from another’s. Listening tells you how you can best support, and how you can give a company the right tools to succeed in keeping their workplace safe.
2. Challenge assumptions – If you’re unsure of a client’s process, or something seems unusual, don’t be afraid to ask. Open questions, and listening to the responses, can help us answer the bigger question: ‘is this the right way to manage things, or just the way we’ve always managed things?’. Challenging processes can help us assess whether something is working well, or if a different approach might help.
3. Teamwork – When I started LRB, I was working on my own. As the business grew and I hired my first employees, shifting from my independent mindset to leading a team of experts took time. Reminding myself that safety is a shared responsibility helped me embrace collaboration; sharing ideas, solving problems, and pooling experiences. The opportunity to work with colleagues with varied expertise taught me that true progress in health and safety comes from our collective strength.

What piece of advice would you give to yourself if you could, in 2000?

If you had told me, 25 years ago, that the small company I started from the box room of the house was where it is today, I would have been quite surprised. With three small children and a mortgage, setting up on my own was quite a risky move, and not without its challenges. I think the advice I’d give myself would be to treat challenges as a learning experience, stand by your morals, and remember why you’re doing it.

Over the years, I’ve seen small companies reach out at the beginning to ask for support, and I’ve watched them grow, understand their responsibilities and strive for excellence. It can sometimes be difficult to make people want to make a difference. Remembering, quite simply, that we do what we do to keep people safe, and make sure people get home at the end of the day has helped stay grounded and build a business I am proud of.

What are you most proud of over the last 25 years?

I think the thing I am most proud of is the range of businesses and industries we have worked with and made a difference to. We have been able to make a real difference on the ground to sole traders, small businesses, national companies, and international organisations. We have taken on some niche projects – as well as helping people cope with the basics. This is all possible thanks to the diligence of the team, their willingness to learn, and their determination to succeed. Hearing accounts of site visits, receiving positive client feedback, and seeing real progress is incredibly fulfilling.

Thanks from the team

From the whole team at LRB Consulting Ltd, we hope you’ll share with us in wishing Michael congratulations on reaching this milestone with LRB Consulting Ltd. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and here’s to the next 25!

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The Labor Force Survey from 2021/22 to 2023/24 estimated that the number of workers with work-related hearing problems was 12,000 in the UK alone.

Alongside hearing loss, workers are also at risk of tinnitus, reduced awareness of surroundings, communication difficulties and increased levels of stress. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 aim to protect workers from the health risks associated with excessive noise exposure.

Employer responsibilities – what must you do?

Under the regulations, employers must:

• Carry out risk assessments of noise in the workplace
• Reduce exposure where possible
• Provide hearing protection if noise risks remain
  • Train employees on safe practices and the use of hearing protection
  • Carry our health surveillance (e.g. hearing checks) for workers who are regularly exposed to noise above 85 dB(A)

Recent HSE findings

The HSE recently identified significant failings in hearing protection in the workplace, with some key findings:

• 75% of workers did not know how to maintain hearing protection
• 63% were not told to wear hearing protection continuously in noisy areas
• 80% did not receive training on correctly fitting hearing protection
• 95% of employers did not check if workers could still hear alarms or warnings

To help employers address these issues, HSE is promoting the CUFF system of four steps to better management of hearing protection:

• Condition: is the equipment in good working order?
• Use: is it worn when and where it should be?
• Fit the ears: is it worn correctly?
• Fit for purpose: is it suitable for the task and environment?

What can you do?

Protect your employees by ensuring your workplace meets the legal requirements regarding noise at work. Carry out risk assessments and noise surveys where appropriate, and provide hearing protection and training to employees as required.

Enforce the use of hearing protection through instruction, check-in sheets, visual inspections, walkarounds. Providing additional information, for example through toolbox talks can further protect your employees.

If you require any support with noise surveys, risk assessments or advice on hearing protection at work, or training needs, please contact the LRB team on 015090 550023.

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HSE prosecution

In August 2025, a Manchester-based construction firm, A1 Property Maintenance Management Limited, have been fined after exposing workers to asbestos risks.

Whilst acting as the Principal Contractor on works taking place at a former public house, evidence of asbestos was found that an asbestos insulating board had been illegally removed from the dumb waiter lift. A worker had previously entered the building and discovered apparent asbestos fragments around the lift shaft, which was later wrapped and removed by a licensed contractor.

A1 Property Maintenance management Limited were fined £5.117 for breaching Regulation 4(6) of The Control of Asbestos Regulations. The company had failed to conduct an asbestos survey to confirm that all asbestos-containing materials had been removed following the earlier identification of asbestos on-site.

An HSE spokesperson said:

“This was a serious incident and put those working in the building at risk of being exposed to the harmful effects of asbestos.

“Duty holders are reminded of the need to review without delay an asbestos assessment if there has been a significant change in the premises to which the assessment relates.”

What are the risks?

Asbestos carries serious health risks including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening. Through continued vigilance, compliance, awareness and training, these risks can be minimised.

Take action

We provide practical support with Asbestos Awareness training courses and retained support to ensure safe working conditions. Get in touch today to start a conversation about asbestos management in your work.

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