In June 2022, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and a network of partners launched a “Dust Kills” campaign to raise awareness of the risk associated with workers’ exposure to dust at construction sites. The HSE has reported that each year thousands of workers have been reported with lung diseases due to long-term exposure to dust with potential life-changing effects or premature death.
The chief inspector of HSE has stated that lung disease is preventable and urged employers and workers to take measures to prevent long-term health issues. The HSE strategy to improve long-term health includes HSE inspectors checking the control measures in place for construction sites.
Large cities with a significant number of transport infrastructure and new development face additional air quality challenges during construction to protect workers, as well as residents around them.
Long and short-term Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are specified for dust, silica, carbon dioxide and many other common substances in the workplace. Southdowns has been involved with regular monitoring of dust and silica exposure of construction workers, monitoring total inhalable dust, respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica.
At Southdowns-RWDI, we provide monitoring surveys and mitigation advice that help protect the employees’ health and ensure that our clients meet their statutory duties.
Please contact enquiries@southdowns.eu.com for further information on our capability and experience in the field of occupational air quality/noise.
