Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspectors Target Silica Risk in Manufacturing Sector
Work-related lung diseases remain a major concern in the UK, with an estimated 20,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems caused or worsened by workplace exposures each year. This figure, averaged over the last three years, comes from self-reports in the Labour Force Survey and highlights the ongoing risks faced by workers across various industries. Among these risks, silica dust exposure is one of the most serious, contributing to life-threatening conditions such as silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
In response to these dangers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a targeted inspection initiative focusing on silica risks in the manufacturing sector. This follows a recent assessment of dust control compliance in the construction industry, which revealed concerning gaps in safety measures. As part of this initiative, inspectors will evaluate whether businesses understand the risks of silica exposure and have effective control measures in place to protect workers’ respiratory health.
What is Silica and Why is It Dangerous?
Silica is a natural substance found in most stone, rocks, sand, quartz, and clay. Manufacturing processes involving these materials cause silica particles to become airborne, where they can be inhaled by workers. These particles are often so tiny that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Prolonged exposure to airborne respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can lead to life-threatening respiratory conditions, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
Silicosis typically develops after long-term exposure to silica dust (around 10-20 years), but it can also develop after shorter exposure (5-10 years), particularly with very heavy exposure, which can cause symptoms to develop in just a few months.
What are the Current Laws Regarding Silica Dust and Worker Protection?
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) requires employers to assess the risk of dust to all employees. Effective protective measures include dampening dust clouds with water, using on-tool extraction ventilation, and providing workers with adequate respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Inspectors will be looking for evidence that businesses have implemented effective dust prevention measures.
Lung Diseases Linked to Work: The Bigger Picture
Lung diseases caused by workplace exposures are a significant concern in the UK. In addition to silica dust, other occupational risks contribute to these conditions. In total, an estimated 12,000 deaths each year are linked to lung diseases caused or worsened by past work exposures. Of these, approximately 3,000 deaths are attributed to mesothelioma, a rare cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Twenty thousand new cases of breathing or lung problems are reported annually, highlighting the ongoing health risks posed by occupational hazards.
Mesothelioma deaths and lung cancers related to asbestos account for a substantial portion of these fatalities. However, conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represent 35% of the lung disease deaths related to past exposures at work.
How Westgate Can Help Manufacturers Control Dust Exposure
Westgate offers a superior solution for controlling dust exposure in manufacturing environments: our Flexiwall system. This innovative partitioning system provides over 99% dust-tight seals, thanks to its unique v-overlap installation process. Flexiwall can be seamlessly installed around existing services and ducting, ensuring effective dust control and improved efficiency of extraction and dampening methods.
For manufacturers seeking to comply with the latest HSE guidelines and protect workers from the dangers of silica dust, Flexiwall is an ideal choice. Contact Westgate for more information on how our solutions can help you ensure the health and safety of your workforce.
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