‘Dust Kills’ – HSE Dust Inspection Initiative

Monday, June 12th, 2023

Article By: Ben Roberts

How would your company perform if inspected for dust? What are you doing to manage the threats posed by dust? What are your workers doing to minimise the risks?

Inspectors will be carrying out HSE dust inspections at nationwide sites which will begin a new health initiative that focuses on the risks to construction workers when they are exposed to silica and wood dust. Inspections are taking place now, having started on 15 May and going on until 14 July.

Clearly, lung disease is a big problem for construction workers. A high number eventually suffer from severe chronic long-term lung conditions. Silica and wood dust are silent and invisible kills – once in your lungs they will start to cause damage.

HOW WOULD YOU PERFORM AT AN HSE DUST INSPECTION?

  • Are you aware of the risks?
  • Are your workers aware of the risks?
  • Do you limit the amount you cut?
  • Do you use non-powered tools such as block splitters?
  • Are you and your workers using the correct masks?

MANAGING SILICA AND WOOD DUST RISKS WITH SOFTWARE SUPPORT

Our Health & Safety Xpert software tool addresses the issue of dust inhalation through its:

  • Risk Assessments
  • Method Statements
  • Toolbox Talks
  • Site Set Up Checklist
  • Site Rules
  • Site Induction

Furthermore, the software provides help to spot the dangers and proposes when to discuss how to best control the hazards with your team members. Information and awareness are provided by relevant health and safety documentation which brings potential situations and solutions to your attention.

COURSES WITH THE HBXL SKILLS ACADEMY

There are a range of courses available through our partnership with VideoTile. All of our courses can be worked towards at your own pace, and in your own time. They’re worth taking the time to watch, considering what’s at stake.

REASONS FOR THE INITIATIVE

According to the HSE, “Regularly breathing these dusts over a long time can cause life-changing lung diseases. Over 500 construction workers are believed to die from exposure to silica dust every year”, which highlights just how lethal this threat can be.

Michael Thomas, HSE’s chief inspector of construction, added: “Every year we see construction workers die from diseases caused or made worse by their work. This is unacceptable in the 21st century, when occupational lung disease is preventable. We are urging employers and workers to take the necessary precautions today to protect their long-term lung health, to avoid them and their families suffering from the devastating impact that can result.”

Still, when you realise the consequences, it’s no wonder the HSE’s inspectors will be visiting construction sites across the UK to carry out the dust inspections.

HSE’S INTERVENTION FEES

The HSE charges for the time spent investigating violations of health and safety laws – this is the Fee for Intervention (FFI). Although, this fee often applies when an inspector discovers an issue which they consider to be significant enough to contact you about. If you weigh up all the risks to workers’ health, is it really worth the added worry of being charged a fee as well?

NEXT OPTIONS?

You can book a quick online demonstration of Health & Safety Xpert or request a free 14-day trial. Just give us a call on 0117 916 7898 for a quick chat, and we’ll put you on the right path to a safe working environment.