Controlling Exposures to Prevent occupational lung disease in the construction industry

How many construction workers died last year as a result of an accident at work? 35 135 350

How many construction workers died last year as a result of an accident at work? 35 135 350

How many construction workers died last year due to ill-health caused by their work? 50 150 500 5000

Over 500 workers believed to die from exposure to silica dust every year Image source http://www.churchilllutz.com/construction/

How many construction workers died last year due to ill-health caused by their work? 50 150 500 5000 ?

These figures are for British Industry as a whole. However, the picture is likely to be the same in the Construction Industry 99% of work related deaths are due to occupational disease Only 1% due to accidents at work Yet most companies tend to focus on preventing accidents at work Health related deaths are less visible as they are usually long term. BOHS believe that there is a need to rebalance Treat Health like Safety

76 000 cases of work-related ill health

Every year, around 3,000 workers in the Construction sector suffer from ‘breathing and lung problems’ they believe are caused or made worse by their work

What are the causes? So what are the main causes of respiratory disease in the construction industry? Let’s have a look at some examples

Asbestos Although the use of asbestos has been banned in the UK, asbestos is still present in many buildings constructed before the 1980’s Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer and other serious lung diseases Past exposure to asbestos is the main cause of deaths due to lung cancer in the construction industry

Silica containing dust Many materials used in the construction industry contain crystalline silica Regular exposure to high levels of dust containing respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis and lung cancer (some explanation of what is meant by “respirable” may be necessary) Many construction related activities generate high concentrations of silica containing dust As we’ve seen, HSE estimate that 500 deaths are caused every year due to silica exposure in the construction industry Silica containing dust

Wood dust Carpenters and joiners are likely to be exposed to wood dust All types of wood dust can cause occupational asthma Exposure to many hard wood dusts is also associated with nasal cancer

Welding fumes Welding Potential risks are Inhalation of welding fume Inhalation of gases (e.g. ozone) UV Confined spaces – particularly if MIG welding Noise Musculoskeletal issues Working outdoors Welding fumes

Paint and other chemical based products

Diesel powered vehicles and equipment are widely used on construction sites Emissions from diesel engines contain fine particles and irritant gases Diesel exhaust emissions (DEEs) have been classified as human carcinogens and Approx 1000 cases of cancer every year due to exposure to DEEs at work Diesel fume

What can we do to reduce the risks? So what are the main causes of respiratory disease in the construction industry? Let’s have a look at some examples

Use methods that avoid creating dust

Use water suppression

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/copd/casestudies/wetcut.htm An example of using water to suppress dust during cutting of materials containing silica Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/copd/casestudies/wetcut.htm

Use local extraction

Bin the broom! Vacuum rather than sweep up dust

But use the right type of vacuum (Type H or Type M) or else dust will get through the filter and be blown back into the workplace And take care when removing the bag and emptying the vacuum cleaner – you will probably need to wear a respirator when you do this

What can YOU do? So we know there are problems. What can we do about them? Image source: http://turnerfox.co.uk/employers/

Make sure you know about the health hazards and risks created by your work

Read the label to check for health hazards

Use dust suppression methods to reduce the amount of dust generated e.g. wet working and local exhaust ventilation systems.

Use control measures correctly

Keep your immediate work area as clean and tidy as possible. Never dry sweep, either use a vacuum cleaner or dampen down first

Wear your mask correctly; make sure that it fits correctly and is in good condition

Launching May 2017 WE’RE SETTING THE STANDARDS www.bohs.org Controlling Exposures to Prevent occupational lung disease in the construction industry Launching May 2017 WE’RE SETTING THE STANDARDS www.bohs.org

Join us and be part of the solution Health is a major issue in construction industry Industry needs to refocus Breathe Freely resources can help you to do that Join us and be part of the solution!! Join us and be part of the solution www.breathefreely.org.uk

Controlling Exposures to Prevent occupational lung disease in the construction industry