The construction industry needs to focus more on addressing the issue of dust exposure on site in order to cut down on the 12,000 occupational lung disease deaths each year in the UK.
That’s according to the first in a series of polls conducted by CM as part of a combined CM and Hilti campaign on the issue.
It found that 84% of CM readers believe progress is being made on the issue of dust exposure in construction but that more focus on the issue is needed.
Just 9% believed the industry is aware of the issue and is managing it correctly, while only 7% said they didn’t see it as an issue and that no further action was required.
A second poll in the series, examining the biggest challenge when it comes to controlling dust onsite, was launched. You can take part in the poll here:
The CM/Hilti campaign will include news articles, social media interaction and a round table discussion on 6 March involving the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and leading industry safety figures.
The topics covered in the campaign will include:
- Why dust could be the next asbestosis – the dangers for construction workers
- Looming litigation – the legal pay-outs contractors face if they don’t take action on dust
- HSE enforcement – site closures and improvement notices will hit construction firms who ignore the problem
- Common mistakes regarding dust exposure – and how to address them
- Assessing and controlling the risks – use of the right equipment, PPE and RPE, education and behavioural change
- Productivity gains from improved control measures and use of the latest tool technology
The HSE estimates there around 3,500 workers cancer deaths every year in the UK construction industry, with asbestos and silica the main causes.
