CDM CONSULTANTS IN READING, TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND | SILICA DUST
In construction, obvious health and safety hazards often receive the most attention. However, it is the less visible occupational dangers that create long-term challenges across the UK. These cause chronic illness and, over time, can reduce workforce efficiency. Silica dust is one such concern that is manageable if using our CDM consultants.
M.L.A. helps clients in the following areas:
Basingstoke | Bracknell | Guildford | Reading | Tunbridge Wells
Our CDM consultants also cover all surrounding counties and the UK.
MAJOR CONCERNS
Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is a hazardous dust released due to cutting, drilling or grinding materials such as stone, brick and concrete. Exposure to RCS can result in serious medical conditions.
These include:
- Silicosis: A lung disease that restricts breathing capacity
- COPD: Respiratory conditions causing breathing problems
- Lung Cancer: Prolonged contact increasing the risk of cancer
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revised advice on monitoring a team of employees exposed to silica dust in a new publication, G404.
G404 Health Surveillance for Those Exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica highlights the importance of monitoring health and safety to include lung function assessment and dust exposure symptom tracking.
Under COSHH Regulations, employers must use health surveillance when there is a risk of workers developing silicosis due to RCS exposure. It is important to note that health and safety surveillance must be ongoing and only carried out by an occupational health professional.
HOW CAN M.L.A. SUPPORT YOU?
We are committed to helping you protect teams by offering:
- Training and awareness sessions
- Practical advice and guidance
- Compliance assistance
- Health surveillance programmes
Taking proactive steps with surveillance not only ensures regulatory compliance but also reflects a genuine care for workforce wellbeing.
CONTROLLING SILICA DUST
Recently, our CDM consultants have noticed an increase in:
- Ongoing HSE inspections and enforcement actions
- Tighter requirements for principal contractors
- A growing number of requests for employer support
Our advice aligns with HSE recommendations, industry best practices, new technologies and the “Hierarchy of Controls” (ERIC PD).
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS FOR SILICA EXPOSURE
- Elimination: Fully prevent the generation of silica dust
- Substitution: Materials with reduced silica content
- Controls: Water suppression, extraction and ventilation
- Administration: Safe systems through staff training
- PPE: Provide fit-tested respirators and ensure correct usage
Silica dust is a common ingredient in materials like mortars, stones and bricks, and in concrete. If disturbed while cutting or grinding, microscopic dust particles end up penetrating deeper into the lungs.
Over time, exposure can lead to:
- Silicosis
- COPD
- Lung cancer
The HSE estimates that around 600 people in the UK die annually from lung cancer linked to silica dust, with construction workers making up a significant proportion of those cases. Choosing us as your CDM consultants is the ideal first step towards reducing onsite risk.
With support available in Basingstoke, Bracknell, Guildford, Reading and Tunbridge Wells, and across the region and the UK, the team at M.L.A. can go on to protect you, your business and your workforce.