HSE summer inspections to target dust in construction
HSE has begun a series of summer inspections targeting dust exposure risk at construction sites across Great Britain.
By Belinda Liversedge on 15 May 2023
Lung disease
Asbestos – we must get rid of it!
It is a shame on our nation that we have the world’s highest rates of asbestos cancer. It is not a surprise, however, when you understand how many of our buildings are infested with the carcinogenic material.
By Shelly Asquith, Trades Union Congress (TUC) on 06 April 2023
Asbestos management in UK buildings: data suggests serious failings
A report into asbestos in UK buildings was published in November 2022 following a collaboration between the two asbestos consulting trade associations, ATaC (Asbestos Testing and Consulting) and NORAC (National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants).
By Mick Dawson, Asbestos and Testing Consultancy Association (ATaC) on 06 April 2023
‘Don’t Let the Dust Settle’ on asbestos campaign reignites call for register
A new campaign is drawing attention to the dangers of asbestos, while refusing to back down on solutions which it says could prevent thousands more people dying each year.
By Belinda Liversedge on 04 April 2023
Asbestos management: time to improve the skills base
Ongoing failures to prevent exposure to asbestos suggest much more needs to be done to build the skills, knowledge and competence of those with day-to-day responsibility for preventing exposure in UK buildings.
By Colette Willoughby, Asbestos Compliance Limited on 03 April 2023
Silica dust: a hidden danger
Exposure to silica dust during tasks like cutting and sanding concrete, rock and stone can cause debilitating and often fatal lung diseases – making it vital employers prevent or reduce exposure.
By Kevin Williams, Arco Professional Safety Services on 31 March 2023
Apprentices should learn about silicosis, say MPs in new report
A cross-party group of MPs has said construction apprentices must learn about the risks of inhaling silica as part of their syllabus, one of ten priorities aimed at preventing silicosis.
By Belinda Liversedge on 24 January 2023
Breathe more easily
Breathing in silica dust during tasks like cutting and sanding concrete, rock and stone can cause debilitating and often fatal lung diseases – making it vital employers prevent or reduce exposure.
By Craig Lewis, Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) on 18 October 2022
You only have two lungs
A collaborative investigation into dust exposure levels during road planing works on the M25 motorway led to dust levels being cut by half – and some vital lessons for the highways maintenance industry on preventing respiratory disease.
By Steve Perkins, Steve Perkins Associates Limited on 05 September 2022
It’s time to up our game on preventing occupational diseases
“What gets measured gets managed.” So said Peter Drucker, the well-known management thinker. And it’s generally true. Unfortunately, when it comes to protecting the physical health of our workers from exposures that cause disease and death, we tend to count the corpses rather than focus on controlling the exposures that produce them.
By Steve Perkins, Steve Perkins Associates on 16 August 2022
