Risk, Health and Safety Information

Construction industry workers invited to find out about the dangers of dust

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is inviting representatives of the construction industry to a free seminar about the dangers of dust.

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

The half day event, organised by the Working Well Together group, takes place in Coalville, Leicestershire, on Friday 20 September. It aims to raise awareness among managers, supervisors and operatives of the health problems caused by dust and the simple steps that should be taken to control it.

Practical sessions and demonstrations will focus on extraction systems, water suppression and respiratory protective equipment.

Chris Lucas, of HSE's Health Risk Management Unit, who will be speaking at the event, explained:

"Construction dust is not just a nuisance, it is a serious risk to workers' health. Regularly breathing in even small amounts of dust over a long time can cause life-changing and life-threatening lung diseases, including cancer.

"Common jobs like cutting or grinding concrete, chasing out mortar, drilling in enclosed spaces or sanding wood can be high risk if not properly controlled."