HSE has updated its workplace exposure limits (WELs) guidance. EH40 contains the list of WELs for use with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) and has been updated to include 31 new and revised WELs introduced by the EU's Fourth Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Values (IOELV) Directive which was implemented in the UK in August. The Directive requires EU member states to introduce domestic occupational exposure limits for the substances listed. The guide is free to download from www.hse.gov.uk/ pubns/books/eh40.htm Respiratory risks HSE inspectors made unannounced visits to construction sites across Britain last month as part of an inspection campaign that focused on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease, looking at the measures firms have in place to protect their workers' lungs from the likes of asbestos, silica and wood dust. Peter Baker, HSß's chief inspector of construction, said: "Around 100 times as many workers die from diseases caused or made worse by their work than are killed in construction accidents. Annually, work-related cancers, mainly linked to asbestos and silica, are estimated to kill 3,500 people from the industry. Thousands of others suffer life-changing illnesses from their work."
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