HSE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION INITIATIVE – 7TH OCT TO 1ST NOV 2019
Between 7 October – 1 November, HSE will be carrying out its latest construction inspection initiative.
This will continue the focus on health, in particular the measures in place to protect workers from occupational lung disease caused by asbestos, silica, wood and other dusts when carrying out common construction tasks.
WHY:
Priority is often given to safety but thousands more workers suffer ill-health at work than are harmed by at-work accidents.
Asbestos and dust are slow killers. HSE estimates that annually there are around 8,000 work-related cancer deaths a year. The construction industry accounts for around 3,500 of these with asbestos and silica the major causes. Construction businesses and workers need to be aware of how dangerous and hazardous to someone’s health such substances can be.
HOW:
Inspectors will be looking to ensure those involved with construction projects know the risks, properly plan their work and use the right controls.
For more information see:
- Working with Asbestos: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/protect.htm
- Construction Dust Information sheet: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis36.pdf
- Construction Dust Busy Builder sheet: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis78.pdf
Where poor standards are found, enforcement action will be taken.