A toolkit raising awareness of the dangers of silica dust has won the Chartered Institute of Building’s first Paul Dockerill Award.
Dr Scott McGibbon will receive up to £10,000 to develop a targeted toolkit and playbook consisting of several digital and printable resources designed to inform construction professionals, clients and residents about best practices when dealing with silica dust.
The toolkit is expected to launch in 2026.
McGibbon is a former stonemason who leads his own construction consultancy firm. He is passionate about raising awareness of the life-threatening substance after experiencing first-hand the devastating impact silicosis can have.
He said: "Despite the risks of silica dust being known for thousands of years, the impact of high exposure is irreversible, and mitigation can be achieved easily.
“Recent research by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health revealed around 48,000 deaths are caused by exposure to silica dust at work worldwide, every year and leave many more fighting for breath.”
Second biggest risk to construction workers
Silica is a natural substance found in various construction materials such as sandstone, asphalt, brick, cement and concrete. It is the second biggest risk to construction workers after asbestos, acording to the Health and Safety Executive.
Prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) risks serious health issues, and can result in a range of debilitating diseases and injuries.
“I am driven by my own experience of being a former stonemason who had to deal with RCS daily.”
McGibbon added: “I am driven by my own experience of being a former stonemason who had to deal with RCS daily.
“I have dealt personally with close work colleagues who contracted silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in some instances death. I’ve witnessed the devastating impacts of RCS – both on the individual and their families – which has been the key personal driver behind the project.
“I am grateful to the CIOB for setting up the Paul Dockerill Award to support projects like mine and I am delighted to be its first recipient. The funding will go a long way in helping the project take flight.”
The CIOB’s Paul Dockerill Award celebrates its namesake, a respected built environment professional and CIOB fellow and trustee, who died in November 2022.
The award gives up to £10,000 in funding for research projects focused on skills development, fire safety and resident engagement.
Entries for the 2025 award are being accepted between 1 February and 30 June. The Paul Dockerill Award page on CIOB’s website will be updated with 2025 entry information shortly.
