HSE Provides Guidance on Construction Dust

“Every year 500 workers die from the effects of inhaling dust from materials such as concrete, wood, mortar, gypsum or sandstone.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently published comprehensive information sheets regarding the dangers of inhaling construction dust.

The sheets inform employers in the construction industry that exposure to dust can impose serious health risks to workers. Common dust-related diseases affecting workers include: lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The damage of inhaling construction dust is not immediately apparent, as it tends to develop gradually over time. Therefore adequate control must be maintained to minimise the risks.

Details of various protective measures are included within the information sheets, such as respiratory protective equipment, extraction systems and water suppression.