Construction Dust Partnership (CDP) Mark Flynn – CDP Partnership Manager SBTAF Construction Forum 3 December 2015 Construction Dust Partnership1

Some disturbing statistics Estimated that more than 500+ silica related deaths a year – over 10 a week The amounts needed to cause this damage are not large Silica is the second biggest cause of occupational lung cancer after asbestos Construction workers 2-3 times greater risk of COPD Over 40% of new cancer registrations / deaths are to construction workers Approximately 100 times as many construction cancer deaths compared to fatal accidents Construction Dust Partnership2 (Based on an 8 hour average)

What dusts are there? CDP focus on all construction dusts: Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS): Brick Concrete Inhalable or Respirable wood dust: Hardwood Softwood MDF Inhalable or Respirable “other” dusts: Portland Cement Gypsum Construction Dust Partnership3

CDP - Overview Initiated by HSE following research that identified the industry as having high exposure to workplace dust and evidences of high levels of respiratory disease Brings together key stakeholders with influence and reach across their members and the industry Represents manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, designers, training bodies and workers Aims to raise awareness of the hazards of dust and promote good practice in control of exposure through the partnership and through industry led initiatives The CDP officially launched in 2014 Construction Dust Partnership4

Don't let dust take your breath away! HSE and industry working in partnership to tackle construction dusts Construction Dust Partnership5

CDP membership 3M AEA Arco Ltd Brandon Hire BSIF Build UK Constructing Better Health Construction Industry Council Construction Skills/CITB Dustcontrol UK ECA EPTA Federation of Master Builders Hire Association Europe Hilti HSE Construction Dust Partnership6 ILEVE ICMMA IOSH Jewson JSP Ltd NFDC Park Health Services QPT SGUK SCHWL SCOS Screwfix UCATT Unite the Union Working Well Together The Partnership represents manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, designers, training bodies, workers and occupational health professionals

Aim of the CDP “To raise awareness within the construction industry about lung diseases related to hazardous workplace dust and to promote good practice to prevent these diseases, particularly for those undertaking high risk tasks” Construction Dust Partnership7

CDP main focus on higher risk activities Workers are most at risk where they regularly do any of the following jobs without the right controls: Using a cut-off saw on kerbs, blocks, paving slabs, roof tiles and other concrete products Chasing, scabbling or grinding concrete Drilling or coring for long periods - particularly indoors Abrasive pressure blasting Cutting and sanding wood with power tools Sanding plasterboard jointing Dry sweeping Internal demolition and soft stripping. Construction Dust Partnership8

Aiming to dispel common myths Construction Dust Partnership9 I am ok if I am working outside The work I am doing is over very quickly so I will be fine Its not affecting anyone else The dust will quickly go It’s a nuisance but part of the job

Sometimes its not so obvious….. Don’t let your eyes deceive you. The most hazardous dusts are those that you can’t see Picture taken under normal light Picture taken under Tyndall lighting Construction Dust Partnership10 What do exposures look like?

The Construction Dust Partnership What can be done about it? Construction Dust Partnership11

The Construction Dust Partnership Construction Dust Partnership12 CONTROL MOST EFFECTIVE Eliminate dust by design or substitution Control at Source PPE/RPE as well where above inadequate Safe handling/ storage Maintenance Limit people, duration, quantity Ventilation Hygiene Management Training

The Construction Dust Partnership Achievements Construction Dust Partnership13

Launched the CDP website Construction Dust Partnership14 Includes: Promoting the partnership and it’s work Raising awareness of the health risks Providing simple, easy solutions for employers Educating the workforce A one stop shop for resources CITB host the CDP website, providing information to the industry:

Achievements Construction Dust Partnership15 Development and delivery of the CDP ‘brand’ Resources including presentations and toolbox talks for educating the workforce 4 construction dust awareness road shows with SGUK Partners worked together to produce guidance and training Partners also produced their own guidance and training courses for their members and customers

Achievements Construction Dust Partnership16 Joint survey with IOSH of the industry’s attitudes and behaviours towards construction dust

Going forward Construction Dust Partnership17 Improving the priority given to this issue by companies -Explain the health and business benefits of good control, cleaning and maintenance programmes -Promote preventative controls before use of RPE Improving awareness among workers -Link with relevant campaigns, e.g. IOSH ‘No Time To Lose’ -Run CDP dust awareness days on construction sites -Look to see how respiratory health is more widely covered during training and apprenticeships Raising the profile of the health effects of dust with designers -Change the profile of attendees at the meeting -Create simple high-level messages - develop into more detailed guidance over time

The Construction Dust Partnership Construction Dust Partnership18 Feedback CDP would welcome views on: Awareness raising ideas Potential new or joint initiatives How we can reach the hard to reach - small businesses/self-employed inc white van man Representation on the Partnership

The Construction Dust Partnership Questions? Construction Dust Partnership19