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Dust Kills: Safeguarding Lung Health in the Construction Industry
Andy Potter • Jul 14, 2023

Protecting Workers from the Silent Danger of Construction Dust


Construction dust is a silent, sometimes invisible killer that can have devastating long-term effects on your health and the health of your workers. Every week, construction workers die from lung diseases caused by dust exposure, while many others suffer from chronic lung conditions.


Don't repeat the mistakes of those who underestimated the risks and worked without proper protection. It's crucial to be fully aware of the dangers and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of everyone on your team.



HSE Targets Construction Workers' Lung Health


Learn more about the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) nationwide inspection campaign focused on respiratory health in the construction industry. Visit the HSE targets construction workers' lung health with the nationwide inspection campaign page for valuable insights. [Link: https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/hse-targets-construction-workers-lung-health-with-nationwide-inspection-campaign/]



Access Free Resources


To help you and your colleagues stay safe, we have created campaign pages and resources. Download our information sheet and 'What to Do as a Busy Builder' guide to learn essential safety practices and share them with your team. Together, you can discuss and implement measures to protect everyone's wellbeing. [Download Link: https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/download/5976/?tmstv=1688111812]



Understanding the Lethal Nature of Dust


Dust particles can be minuscule, up to 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. Even though they are invisible, they can be inhaled, causing damage to your lungs. Exposure to dust can lead to severe breathing difficulties and debilitating lung diseases that can have long-lasting consequences, including premature death.


Remember, the effects of dust exposure may take years to manifest, making early prevention crucial. Ensure you stay well-informed about the risks involved and give utmost priority to safeguarding your lung health. This can be achieved by consistently prioritising safety practices in your work.



Introducing the Dust Kills Campaign


The Dust Kills campaign is an initiative by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the national regulator for workplace health and safety in Britain. HSE is dedicated to improving the health of construction workers and has partnered with various organisations, including Working Well Together, Health in Construction Leadership Group, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), Construction Leadership Council, and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Together, we strive to raise awareness and protect workers from the hazards of construction dust.



Prioritise Lung Health, Save Lives


Your lung health and that of your workers should always be a top priority. By understanding the risks, accessing resources, and implementing preventive measures, we can create a safer construction industry and prevent the tragic consequences of dust exposure.


Book Your Air Quality Assessment


To book an air quality assessment for your workplace, contact Ultra today. We will carry out a full site air quality risk assessment, and provide helpful advice and solutions for your building. 


Related Articles:

The Impact of Poor Air Quality on Yours & Others' Health

Everything You Need to Know About Air Quality Management Assessments

Air Quality for Commercial Properties


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