HSENI campaign on the dangers of silica dust for the construction sector
A new programme of advisory and inspection visits is due to take place across construction sites
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is set to carry out 500 inspection visits to construction sites across Northern Ireland to raise awareness of the dangers of silica and to ensure that workers are being protected from long-term health problems.
Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in varying amounts in most rock, sand, and clay as well as products like bricks and concrete. Silica dust is created during many common construction tasks, such as cutting, sanding, or grinding of silica-containing materials, including concrete, mortar, and sandstone.
Dangers of silica
As well as making sure workers are being protected, Inspectors will also be providing advice on how to protect employees from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), which is the single biggest health risk to construction workers after asbestos.
It can cause diseases such as lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.
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Employer responsibilities
Employers and the self-employed must ensure that the long-term health risks to their employees and to themselves from exposure to silica dust have been considered and that suitable control measures are in place.
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First published 13 June 2025