1. Controlling Exposures to Prevent occupational lung disease
in the construction industry

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

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

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

6. Over 500 workers believed to die from exposure to silica dust every year
Image source

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

8. 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

9. 76 000 cases of work-related ill health

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Paint and other chemical based products

17. 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

18. 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

19. Use methods that
avoid creating dust

20. Use water suppression

21. 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:

22. Use local extraction

23. Bin the broom!
Vacuum rather than sweep up dust

24. 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

25. What can YOU do? So we know there are problems.
What can we do about them?
Image source:

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

27. Read the label to check for health hazards

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

29. Use control measures correctly

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

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

32. 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

33. 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

34. Controlling Exposures to Prevent occupational lung disease
in the construction industry