HSE Announce Crack Down on Respiratory Risks

An Overview of the HSE's Dust Focus:

HSE inspectors will be targeting construction firms to check that their health standards are up to scratch during a month-long inspection initiative, starting on Monday 4 October 2021.

Inspections will focus on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease, looking at the control measures businesses have in place to protect their workers from exposure to construction dust, such as silica, asbestos and wood dust.

Whilst the HSE have a specific focus on dust, they have been very clear that they will not ignore any other breaches they find on site. We would therefore urge site managers to double check their strategies for fume control, noise control and increased ventilation due to COVID-19. Inspectors will be looking for evidence of employers and workers knowing the risks, planning their work and using the right controls. If necessary, they will use enforcement to make sure people are protected.

This year the HSE will be supported by the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) and its Tier 1 construction members, who will be conducting iro. 1000 site visits to assess respiratory controls on site. Findings from all site visits and inspections will be fed back into the HSE dataset, and all industry insights will support HSE’s strategic plan to broaden the range and depth of future regulatory health interventions.

Looking for a Dust, Fume or Ventilation Solution?

If you require assistance with dust or fume control on site, please give RVT a call on 0808 178 3286. We will be happy to provide a consultation by phone, or if you prefer, we can conduct a free site visit. We will carefully assess what environment you are working in, what activities are being undertaken and what hazards may be present, in order to provide you with a fully compliant LEV solution that will suitably protect everyone on site or nearby. Talk to a consultant.

To view RVT’s dust extraction and filtration solutions click here.

To view RVT’s fume extraction and filtration solutions click here.

To view RVT's ventilation solutions click here.

Additional Resources for Health & Safety Managers and Site Managers:

To download the 'Capture, Contain Control' poster click here.

Read the full HSE announcement.

To access the HSE’s Work Right campaign page click here.

To learn more about the HCLG click here.