A series of intensive official construction site inspections has revealed a health ‘timebomb’ facing workers, UCATT has said. The site union was commenting after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited 560 sites over two weeks, focussing on significant long-term health risks for workers including respiratory risks from dusts containing silica, exposure to other hazardous substances such as cement and lead paint, manual handling, noise and vibration. Many construction exposures, including silica, paint fumes, asbestos and diesel exhaust fumes, are linked to occupational cancers.

UCATT news release. HSE news release. Construction Enquirer. Hazards ‘Dust to Dust’ report. Risks 665.