22 September 2021
HSE Blitz Alert: Dust
HSE’s inspectors across Great Britain will be targeting construction firms to check that their health standards are up to scratch during a month-long inspection initiative, starting on Monday 4 October 2021.
This year, inspections will focus on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease, looking at the control measures businesses have in place to protect their workers’ lungs from construction dust including silica, asbestos and wood dust.
While the primary focus will be on health during this programme of inspections, if an inspector identifies any other areas of concern, including immediate safety risks, they will take the necessary action to deal with them. Inspectors will be looking for evidence of employers and workers knowing the risks, planning their work and using the right controls. If necessary, they will use enforcement to make sure people are protected.
To help you prepare for a potential HSE visit, which is likely to focus on dust, we recommend that you refer to the following information sources that have been prepared by BSG and the HSE:
BSG video information: Dust
Risk Assessment Templates
Log into the BSG Hub to view
Occupational Health – Silica Dust (software version)
Occupational Health – Wood Dust (software version)
Occupational Health – Construction Dust (software version)
