The devastating impact of construction dust on workers' health is alarming, with numerous individuals suffering from chronic illnesses and loss of life. A critical initiative called "Dust Kills" by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has just launched, empowering employers to control dust and safeguard their workers' lung health effectively.
Understanding the Dust Kills Initiative
The HSE has launched a health inspection initiative focusing on the respiratory risks of silica and wood dust exposure. Running from May 15th to July 14th, this campaign aims to raise awareness and emphasise the importance of implementing vigorous control measures within the construction industry.
Employers have a legal duty to protect their workers' lung health, making it imperative to act promptly.
Inspectors will be checking the control measures to protect workers from inhaling construction dust, including silica (Respirable Crystalline Silica/RCS) and wood dust. They will also gain assurances that asbestos containing materials have been identified and removed or managed where necessary to prevent or reduce exposure.
How Stallard Kane can help: Ensuring Effective Knowledge
Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Compliance with regulations and protecting employees from hazardous substances, such as chemicals, fumes, dust, and vapours, is essential. Stallard Kane’s workplace exposure monitoring services assist you in mitigating risks and providing regulatory compliance. They also provide guidance on noise and vibration hazards, helping you prevent long-term health issues like noise-induced hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Find out more by visiting Stallard Kane’s Workplace Exposure Monitoring page.
Training and Education
Equipping employers and workers with the necessary knowledge and skills is paramount to controlling dust effectively. Stallard Kane offers various training courses designed to raise awareness and promote best practices. They offer UK-wide training options that can be created bespoke for your business and delivered virtually, on site, or at one of their accredited course centres. Their expert trainers cater to the specific needs of different industries and roles.
Find out more by visiting Stallard Kane’s Training page.
How Stallard Kane can help: Ensuring Effective Control Measures
Face Fit Testing
To optimise protection against hazardous materials, conducting face fit testing on Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial. Stallard Kane’s experienced trainers are competent in performing accurate and reliable RPE fit tests. By ensuring a tight fit of the facepiece, they help prevent leaks and guarantee the utmost safety for workers in diverse roles and physical characteristics.
Find out more by visiting Stallard Kane’s Face Fit Testing page.
Occupational Health Assessments
Early identification of ill-health effects is vital for implementing better control measures. Stallard Kane’s comprehensive occupational health assessments help identify potential health risks in the workplace, provide a robust way of measuring the effectiveness of existing control measures, and offer tailored strategies for improvement. Spirometry, otherwise known as Lung Function Testing, carried out on a regular basis will give you the information you require about your employees lung capacity. Used on an ongoing basis it will help not only to diagnose but also monitor lung conditions and the impact certain exposures may have on your employees.
Find out more by visiting Stallard Kane’s Occupational Health Assessments page.
The Dust Kills initiative highlights the critical importance of controlling construction dust and protecting workers' lung health.
Stallard Kane is a supporter of this campaign, and they provide essential services and courses to help businesses fulfil their legal obligations and create a safe working environment. By using their face fit testing, occupational health assessments, asbestos management, workplace exposure monitoring, and training solutions, you can protect the wellbeing of your employees and contribute to a healthier, dust-free future.
Remember, long or even short term exposure to dust can cause debilitating, chronic illnesses, many of which have irreversible impacts.
Act now to protect your future and ensure the safety of your workforce.
About the author
This article is provided by our sister company, Stallard Kane, a specialist risk management service provider offering expert advice and solutions in Health and Safety, HR, Risk Solutions and Training. This article is for general guidance only and aims to provide general information on a relevant topic in a concise form. This article should not be regarded as advice in relation to a particular circumstance. Action should not be taken without obtaining specific advice.
If you want a truly personalised service, contact your usual Towergate advisor today who can put you in touch with Stallard Kane’s Team to discuss your requirements.
