Small contractors still 'know nothing' about silicosis

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has vowed to step up its "Clear the Air!" campaign warning workers against the dangers of silicosis after it concluded that smaller companies still know very little about the condition and its causes.

Silicosis, also known as Grinder's Disease, is a respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust.

The HSE estimated that more than 500 construction workers lost their lives to lung cancer and even more suffered from silicosis, which can be caused by cutting stone and concrete kerbs and paving blocks.

The health and safety body launched a multimedia campaign last year with free DVDs, leaflets, and online forums showing workers how to protect themselves from inhaling Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS).

An HSE spokeswoman said that more than 240,000 leaflets and 3,000 copies of the DVD had been requested by the industry, with the response from larger companies being particularly good.

But she said that awareness among small firms was much lower. "We have concluded that smaller companies know nothing whatsoever," she said.

HSE's Dr Robert Ellis from the Chemicals Risk Management Unit said he had noticed an increase in staff awareness and improved compliance.

But he added: "Reaching smaller businesses such as the one or two-man bands remains an important goal.

"Recently, I saw a sub-contractor working without any dust suppression and the foreman told me he didn’t even realise there was an issue and was shocked to realise there was a cancer risk."

In an effort to encourage hard-to-reach construction firms to get involved, the HSE has encouraged hire companies through Hire Association Europe and the Builders Merchants Federation to help raise awareness of the importance of using dust suppression kits.

Mark-One-Hire managing director Clive Potter said: "We are now offering this [dust suppression equipment] free for a period to support the construction industry in its goal to reduce this needless illness."