HSE Dust Control inspections for Construction sector

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are carrying out specific inspections on Construction sites across the UK, focusing on dust control.

Dust Kills

Construction dust includes wood dust and RSCs – very small particles at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand which is created when cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, and mortar.

Regularly breathing construction dust can cause lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and silicosis.

Throughout June these inspections are taking place as part of the Dust Kills campaign, a HSE respiratory health initiative.

Inspections

The inspections are to check that workers’ lung health is being protected from the risks associated with exposure to construction dust. HSE Inspectors will be looking for evidence that employers and workers:

• Know the risks
• Plan their work to reduce risks i.e. purchase pre-cut materials
• Use the right controls i.e. tight fitting PPE

Steps to take

• Assess the risks in your Construction sites
• Control the risks
• Review the controls

Have a look at the Dust Kills pages from the HSE for more information.
Contact us for support with assessing risks, recommending controls and reviewing controls on your construction sites.