Unite, the union has launched an online silica register to allow construction workers who have been exposed to silica dust to register their exposure
An online silica register has been put into place after growing concerns surrounding construction workers inhaling silica dust, which can cause many health problems. This is not a new issue, but it's time to raise awareness and prevent future problems for construction workers. This register is a great step as it means that workers will gain help if they enter any sort of legal battle surrounding silica.
What is silica dust?
Silica is a major constituent of construction materials such as bricks, tiles, concrete and mortar. Meaning it is hard to avoid for construction workers; silica dust is created when cutting, grinding, drilling or polishing, natural substances... Some of this dust is fine enough to get deep into your lungs. The fine dust is known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and is too fine to see with normal lighting. It is commonly called silica or silica dust.such as rocks and sand also!
It is very important to stay protected when working on-site this can help prevent the damaging effects of the dust. Use safety equipment that is commonly available on construction sites, don't ignore basic safety, wear a mask when cutting materials, drilling etc.
Unite, the union has launched an online silica register to allow construction workers who have been exposed to silica dust to register their exposure
This is not something to take lightly, although you will learn health & safety when training here at Able Skills it is easy to become lazy and inconsistent when working on-site. However, this is something to always keep in mind whilst working. Inhaling large amounts of silica dust over a long period can cause silicosis, a serious respiratory disease. It can also lead to other potentially fatal illnesses including lung cancer, tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Don't ever think that you're better than health & safety, at the end of the day it is for your benefit. Keeping yourself protected is undoubtedly essential, don't let it slip, protective equipment is readily available on-site and is obviously free, so there is no reason self-inflict potentially dangerous dust into your system, especially when all it takes is to wear a mask.
Staying safe as a bricklayer?
At Able Skills, it doesn't matter which of our Bricklaying courses you are taking, even if it's an Introduction to Bricklaying course you will be taught the basic fundamentals of staying safe whilst working as a brickie as it is very important for this particular trade!
Being a bricklayer means that you are of higher risk of coming into contact with silica dust as you are working with bricks all day which can emit the stuff. Now, obviously, this doesn't mean you need to stop what you are doing, just stay protected it's as simple as that. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms that go alongside the associated risks can often go unnoticed, therefore it is always important to speak to a doctor if you think you may be at risk!
Want some more information?
If you would like some more information about the silica dust register then click here. Otherwise, if you're looking talk to us here at Able Skills about our Bricklaying courses or anything else then you have a few options. Firstly, call us anytime between the hours of 8:30 - 4:30 we are happy to help with booking and ore answer any questions you need to be answered! Alternatively, you can come straight into our office and speak with a representative, take a look around our facilities and get the help you need we are based in Dartford.
K5, Riverside Industrial Estate, Riverside Way, Dartford DA1 5BS