The i Paper’s Killer Kitchens campaign shone a spotlight on the growing number of stonemasons developing silicosis after cutting engineered stone, commonly used in kitchen worktops. Reporter Joe Duggan spent two years investigating a crisis that had received little public attention despite evidence that young workers were becoming seriously ill after repeated exposure to hazardous silica dust.
His reporting revealed that many of those affected were tradespeople in their 20s and 30s, often migrant workers, who described inadequate safety measures and pressure to work in unsafe conditions. Doctors warned that while dozens of cases had already been identified in the UK, the true scale of the problem could be far greater if urgent action was not taken.
The Killer Kitchens campaign called for stronger protections throughout the industry, including a ban on the dry cutting of engineered stone and increased enforcement against employers failing to control dangerous dust exposure. Through a combination of exclusive investigations, reporting and campaigning, the i Paper built a compelling case for reform.
Duggan’s reporting brought readers face-to-face with people living with the consequences of silicosis, transforming what could have been a technical workplace safety issue into a powerful human story. Among them was Marek Marzec, a father of two who was dying from the disease while battling to access benefits and compensation. After months of seeking assistance, he was informed he qualified for support on the day he died. His story highlighted not only the devastating health impact of silicosis but also the challenges seriously ill workers faced in navigating the benefits system.
In May, the Health and Safety Executive announced its most significant intervention yet in the kitchen stone sector, introducing new regulatory guidance requiring the use of water suppression measures to prevent exposure to silica dust and launching a nationwide programme of inspections. Workplaces found to be exposing employees to dangerous dust levels were ordered to stop work.
The campaign also prompted wider discussions about compensation and financial support for workers affected by silicosis. Following the i Paper’s reporting, the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council recommended that cases of rapidly progressing silicosis linked to engineered stone should be fast-tracked for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, recognising the urgency and severity of the condition.
A new kitemark scheme was introduced to help reassure consumers that stone products had been processed using safer methods, reflecting the campaign’s success in driving change beyond regulation alone.
The significance of the campaign was recognised by health and safety experts, parliamentarians and policymakers. More importantly, it demonstrated how determined journalism can identify an emerging public health issue, hold employers and regulators to account, and help deliver meaningful change.
By uncovering hidden risks, amplifying the voices of affected workers and maintaining pressure for reform, Killer Kitchens exemplifies the power of campaigning journalism.
