Abstract: Functional failures of the work roll proper varies in forms, for instance, cracking and rupturing due to high hardness after heat treatment or unsatisfactory structure of the material. In addition, even in case of normal hardness and metallographic structure of the work roll, Ca and Si inclusions may form embryonic cracks, which may develop as the roll is being used and eventually cause partial cracking. An analysis regarding work roll cracking due to Ca and Si inclusions is given in the paper.