The number of claims reported via applications for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit arising out of silicosis is rising.  The UK has not seen the large scale litigation which is ongoing in Australia and the US and similar class actions are unlikely in this country.  A recent article in the British Medical Journal suggested that the use of engineered stone should be prohibited given the risk associated with it, though we are not aware of any intention on the part of the UK government to impose such a ban. There is an increasing awareness of the risks of silicosis. While this has yet to translate to claims, given the latency period between exposure and manifestation of symptoms, such claims may still be several years away.