HSE Updates Health Surveillance Guidance for Workers Exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica RCS

On 17 March 2025, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced an important update to its guidance on health surveillance for workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) - a hazardous substance linked to serious lung diseases, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.

The revised guidance aims to help employers understand when health surveillance is legally required and how to implement effective surveillance programs in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.

What’s New in the Updated Guidance?

• Clearer Requirements: The guidance now provides improved explanations of when health surveillance is required for workers exposed to RCS and how employers should assess the risk.

• Structured Approach: HSE outlines a step-by-step process for setting up a health surveillance scheme, including:

  • Identifying the risk of exposure.

  • Arranging for appropriate health checks.

  • Keeping appropriate records.

  • Acting on the results to protect workers’ health.

• Emphasis on Legal Obligations: Employers are reminded that health surveillance is not optional where there is a reasonable probability that RCS exposure is causing harm. The updated guidance helps to clarify these obligations.

• Alignment with HSE’s Inspection Focus: The update comes as the HSE continues to prioritise workplace inspections in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and stonework, where exposure to RCS is more common. Poor management of RCS risks can lead to enforcement action.

Why Health Surveillance for RCS Is Important

Respirable crystalline silica is a fine dust generated by cutting, grinding, drilling, or sanding materials such as concrete, brick, stone, or mortar. Prolonged or repeated inhalation of RCS can lead to irreversible lung damage. Early detection through health surveillance is essential to prevent long-term disease and ensure timely intervention.

Access the Updated Guidance

The revised guidance on RCS health surveillance is available here on the HSE website as part of the G series of publications. Employers, occupational health providers, and safety professionals are encouraged to review the material and update their policies and procedures as necessary.