Construction workers get silicosis advice
November 30th 18:00 Health and Safety
Central Scotland construction workers have attended an event aimed at improving their awareness of silicosis.
Organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it saw employees given tips on how to avoid contracting the potentially lethal lung disease, which is caused by inhaling stone dust containing crystalline silica.
The HSE's Pamela McKenzie said that there a number of "practical steps" that can be taken to minimise the risk of contracting the disease, such as carrying out proper planning, wearing protective equipment and using power tools equipped with dust extraction capabilities.
Such tips may be of use to facilities management firms operating in the construction sector and Mr McKenzie urged employers to heed the advice, stating: "Recent inspections have found workers are still carrying out stone processing work without wearing appropriate respiratory equipment."
A similar event, part of the HSE's partnership with the Working Well Together, was recently held in Lanarkshire.
