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Health and Safety Executive issues dust warning

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning about a deadly dust that can affect construction workers who regularly cut stone, concrete or masonry.

More than 500 construction workers die every year as a result of breathing in silica dust, making it the second most prolific killer in the industry after asbestos.

The HSE is now advising companies to consider the health and safety of their employees by using methods that do not create dust to break materials.

Moira Caddick, health and safety awareness officer at the HSE, said many workers do not realise they are putting their lives at risk by releasing the silica dust particles when they cut materials.

She said: "Silica dust can get onto your lungs and cause breathing problems, which can eventually lead to lung cancer."

While inhaling the dust can take years to show any effects, severe illness can happen quickly if workers are exposed to it on a daily basis.

Quantum Risk Management are a leading Health and Safety Consultancy

Posted on 17/02/2010

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