The conversation around silicosis has intensified significantly in recent months, with increased scrutiny into the industry. PWS, one of the UK’s largest, best-invested, market-leading fabricators of quality bespoke surfaces, is reinforcing its commitment to safe working practices, calling for greater industry-wide accountability.
Proper regulation and safe fabrication when handling quartz are essential to ensuring the safety of workers and the environment, however unsafe practices across the industry have led to cases of silicosis; an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust.
To elevate industry standards, improve workplace safety, set a clear benchmark for professionalism and ensure operational excellence across the fabrication sector, PWS has teamed up with the Worktop Fabrication Federation (WFF) to create a new industry Quality Mark. This new mark introduces a structured framework for fabrication businesses to ensure commitment to best practice and workforce protection.
Developed with the support of scientific research and industry collaboration, the WFF hosted Health and Safety Executive (HSE) teams and gathered expert input from across the supply chain. A key milestone in the programme’s development included the HSE’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Bampton, presenting the significance of occupational hygiene standards and the role of the WFF Quality Mark in driving safer, responsible and more consistent practices across the industry.
Underpinned by regular, independent workplace assessments conducted by professionally registered occupational hygienists, the quality mark focuses on the recognition, evaluation and control of workplace health hazards.
A landmark for British manufacturing, the WFF urges KBB specifiers, retailers and designers to partner only with trusted and reputable fabricators, ensuring they also question non-members about their industry standards. With these strong internal processes, robust health and safety measures and the backing of the HSE, it is a major step in the right direction.
Chris Wragg, Managing Director of the Danesmoor Group: “Sadly, these silicosis cases are a result of unregulated fabricators and manufacturers that don’t prioritise employee safety or health. All of this is entirely preventable, but the responsibility lies with the industry to do it properly – so companies need to be held accountable as a matter of necessity.
As one of the major companies in the worktop market, we have a responsibility to not only our staff but also to our customers, to ensure we are advocating for best safety and working practices. We are proud to be working with the WFF on this new accreditation. By creating a culture of responsibility, transparency and continuous improvement, the industry can safeguard its workforce while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship at the same time.”
