As conversations around silicosis and workplace safety continue to intensify across the surfaces sector, UK manufacturer PWS is calling on retailers, specifiers and fabricators to support higher industry standards through the newly launched Quality Mark accreditation from the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF).

PWS, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers and fabricators of bespoke work surfaces, has become one of the first businesses to achieve the accreditation, which has been developed to establish clearer benchmarks around health and safety, responsible fabrication and operational best practice within the KBB sector.

Representing fabricators and installers across the UK, the WFF developed the Quality Mark in collaboration with businesses throughout the supply chain, alongside guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and occupational hygiene specialists. The initiative arrives at a critical moment for the industry, as concerns surrounding silica dust exposure and unsafe quartz fabrication practices continue to grow.

Silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust, has become an increasingly urgent issue within engineered stone fabrication. With quartz surfaces remaining highly popular across kitchens, bathrooms and interior applications, attention has turned towards how materials are processed and whether businesses are investing sufficiently in workforce protection, dust suppression and safe working environments.

For PWS, the accreditation represents an important step towards greater accountability and professionalism across the sector.

“Sadly, the silicosis cases we are seeing are the result of unregulated fabricators and manufacturers that do not prioritise employee safety or health,” says Chris Wragg, Managing Director of the Danesmoor Group, who oversees PWS. “All of this is entirely preventable, but the responsibility lies with the industry to do it properly, and companies need to be held accountable as a matter of necessity.”

Underpinned by regular independent workplace assessments carried out by professionally registered occupational hygienists, the Quality Mark focuses on recognising, evaluating and controlling workplace health risks. The accreditation is intended not only to improve standards internally, but also to give retailers, designers, specifiers and consumers greater transparency when selecting fabrication partners.

As one of the UK’s most established fabricators, PWS says it has consistently invested in advanced manufacturing technology, dust extraction systems and operational procedures designed to create safer working conditions while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship and product quality.

“As one of the major companies in the worktop market, we have a responsibility to ensure we are championing the highest standards of safety and fabrication practices,” Wragg continues. “We are proud to have worked closely with the WFF on the development of this new accreditation and to now be recognised as one of the first businesses to achieve the Quality Mark.”

The wider ambition behind the initiative is to encourage long-term cultural change across the fabrication sector. Alongside health and safety measures, the accreditation aims to promote stronger operational procedures, better employee training and greater transparency throughout the supply chain.

“We have always encouraged a culture of responsibility, transparency and continuous improvement within the sector,” says Wragg. “The introduction of this accreditation will transform the industry by giving customers greater visibility of trusted, reputable and well-invested fabricators that are committed to protecting their workforce and upholding the very highest standards.”

The WFF is now encouraging KBB retailers, designers and specifiers to work only with accredited fabricators, while also challenging businesses outside the federation to demonstrate the measures they have in place to protect workers and maintain safe fabrication environments.

For PWS, the significance of the Quality Mark extends beyond certification itself. The company believes the accreditation has the potential to establish a clearer framework for professionalism within British fabrication, helping raise standards across the industry while reinforcing confidence in UK manufacturing.

“We are delighted to be recognised for our strong internal processes and robust health and safety measures,” Wragg adds. “This new landmark guidance is a hugely positive step forward for the industry, and we fully support initiatives that raise standards, encourage best practice and safeguard the future of British manufacturing.”

As awareness around silicosis continues to grow, the introduction of the WFF Quality Mark signals a broader shift within the surfaces industry — one that places workforce wellbeing, transparency and responsible manufacturing increasingly at the centre of specification and fabrication practice.