Ban silica-containing materials, says British Safety Council
British Safety Council seeks to protect workers from risks linked to high-concentration, silica-containing materials.
They hope to introduce the ban within five years on high-silica products from entering or leaving the UK.
This follows research from the British Safety Council involving more than 2,000 workers, which reveals that nearly two-thirds are concerned about the risks to health from cutting stone containing silica.
Employees were surveyed across a range of sectors. 62% were concerned or very concerned about the risks posed by silica dust. At the same time, 16% reported having little to no knowledge about silica-related harms.
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, released when workers cut materials like stone, concrete, brick and engineered stone, can lead to severe and irreversible respiratory diseases, including silicosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), as well as an increased risk of lung cancer.
International evidence shows that, while exposure can be reduced through regulation, control and mitigation measures, these do not eliminate the risk.
The UK Government would be following in the footsteps of Australia by introducing the ban.
More information on the campaign can be found online.
