The United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive is moving forward with new regulations for silica exposure and a safety blitz across affected industries, including brick and tile manufacturers, stoneworkers, foundry operators and manufacturers.
The announcement of new regulations comes ahead of a targeted safety blitz by the HSE, which will focus on manufacturing industries and the use of silica-containing products in manufacturing processes. The blitz will focus on available and effective control measures for workers’ safety.
In the UK, as in Australia, employers have a legal duty to manage the health and safety of workers and ensure they comply with the local safety legislation.
In the HSE’s crackdown, the organisation has confirmed that it will be inspecting with a mind to ensure PCBUs have ensured effective measures to reduce workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica, including local exhaust ventilation, personal protective equipment and suppression measures.
The HSE’s head of manufacturing, David Butter, explained that “It’s hugely important for manufacturing businesses where workers use materials that contain silica to act now to ensure they comply with the law and protect their workers from the risks of devastating lung disease.
“Businesses should take note that good ventilation in the workplace and protective equipment are just some of the measures they need in place to protect the respiratory health of workers.
“Ahead of our autumn/winter inspection campaign, we want employers and workers to make sure they are aware of the risks associated with the activities they do, e.g. brick and tile manufacturers, stoneworkers, and foundry workers who cut and shape bricks, tiles, and stone that can create RCS dust that could be inhaled.
“To assist them, we have refreshed our guidance and have committed to providing duty-holders with regular updates, information, and advice through our e-bulletin.”