HSE – Health Inspection Initiative – October 2019

Between 7 October – 1 November, the 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 the focus of Health?

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. The 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.

What will the HSE look for?

Inspectors will be looking to ensure those involved with construction projects:

• know the risks
• properly plan their work, and
• use the right controls.