Source HSE
Poor working conditions likely to lead to ill health on building sites will be targeted this month as work continues to reduce death, injury and ill health in the industry.
For every fatal accident in the construction industry, it is estimated that a worker is at least 100 times more likely to die from a disease caused or made worse by their work.
During a concentrated two-week drive beginning today (Monday 23 June) the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will make unannounced visits across the country, focusing on ill health on construction sites.
Inspectors will be looking in particular at respiratory risks from dusts including silica materials; exposure to other hazardous substances such as cement and lead paint; manual handling, noise and vibration.
In 2012/13, 39 construction workers were killed. However, more than 500 deaths a year are due to silica exposure alone.