Free DVD shows construction workers how to avoid silicosis
January 7th 2009 In 2004, more than 500 construction workers lost their lives to lung cancer and even more were suffering from silicosis as a result of inhaling a dangerous substance called Respirable Crystalline Silica, (known as ‘silica dust’ or ‘RCS’). These striking estimates are based on HSE-funded research.
Found in stone dust, RCS is easily inhaled if unprotected construction workers are involved in cutting stone and concrete such as kerbs or paving blocks.
The effects of silicosis can leave sufferers breathless and unable to do sport, or daily activities we normally take for granted. They can be rendered housebound and dependent upon bottled oxygen.
HSE’s ‘Clear The Air!’ multimedia campaign was produced in collaboration with the construction industry; a DVD, leaflets and online forums show construction workers how to protect themselves from inhaling RCS. More than 240,000 leaflets and 3,000 copies of the DVD have been requested by industry.
The DVD was edited and scripted by highly experienced members of the industry, such as ‘voiceover’ Seamus Doyle from Daniel contractors. Vaughan Burnand, Chair of Major Contractors Group Health and Safety Committee said:
“Methods and products to prevent dust clouds have been available for a long time and this working group has produced a range of resources to facilitate their use. It is now up to industry as a whole to take the lead and prevent needless illness and deaths caused by silica dust."
The campaign also engages hire companies through the Hire Association Europe and the Builders Merchants Federation to access hard to reach groups. Few hire companies have provided dust suppression kits with their machinery, but STIHL (GB) has done this for its cut-off saws for 30 years. Since the launch of the campaign, Mark-One-Hire has also pledged to support the campaign:
“We are now offering this [dust suppression equipment] free for a period to support the construction industry in its goal to reduce this needless illness,” said managing director, Clive Potter.
For a copy of the DVD/leaflets, call 0151 951 5828 or go online to a specially-devised website about kerb cutting safely: webcommunities.hse.gov.uk/inovem/inovem.ti/kerbcutting.community HSE webpage about respiratory disease in construction: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/respiratory
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