It's time for contractors to wake up to the dangers of silica dust

摘要

MPs from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for respiratory health have recently called for more measures to protect workers at risk from developing silicosis. The construction industry must make sure it is doing all it can to protect employees against this 'silent killer'. The APPG launched its inquiry in 2019 to look at the dangers of silicosis - lung disease caused by silica dust. Described by some as the next asbestos, it is estimated that 60,000 construction workers are at risk of developing this chronic disease. Silica is a natural substance found in most rocks, sand and clay and in products such as bricks and concrete. It is also used as filler in some plastics. On construction sites these common materials create dust when they are cut, sanded and carved. Some of this dust can be fine enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs.