HSE Respiratory Initiative

Health and Safety Executive are visiting construction sites across Britain throughout October to promote the importance of safe working practices and reduce harmful exposure to dust.

Sites of all types and sizes, from domestic refurbishments to major commercial new builds will be visited to check that appropriate measures are in place to protect workers’ lung health from exposure to dust.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety is committed to improving the health of workers in the construction industry. Dust can kill which is why this year HSE is focussing on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease.

HSE’s construction sector health initiative is being supported by the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) whose members include Tier 1 contractors. Site visits and surveys of member organisations throughout October 2021 will provide useful information on industry practices with respect to safeguarding workers’ respiratory health from dust.

Under the law employers are responsible for health and safety management & have a legal responsibility to protect the health of their workers.

Learn more about how to control exposure to dust and how to stay safe from the risks here.