The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has commenced a national two-week inspection campaign targeting exposure to silica dust in the construction industry, in a renewed effort to raise awareness about the long-term health risks associated with the airborne hazard.
The campaign will focus on construction sites where concrete, stone, or sand-based materials are in use—activities that frequently generate respirable crystalline silica dust. According to the HSA, prolonged exposure to silica dust can lead to life-threatening illnesses such as silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Silicosis, an incurable and progressive lung disease, occurs when fine silica particles are inhaled and cause scarring to lung tissue. Workers involved in cutting, grinding, drilling, or demolishing materials like concrete and brick are especially at risk.
Throughout the inspection period, HSA inspectors will visit sites nationwide to evaluate whether employers are implementing adequate controls to manage and reduce silica dust exposure. These controls may include water suppression systems, on-tool dust extraction, containment methods, and the proper use of respiratory and personal protective equipment (RPE and PPE).
“While the impact of occupational illnesses may not be immediately visible, the long-term consequences are just as serious,” said Joan Flynn, Senior Inspector with the HSA. “This campaign aims to increase awareness among employers and workers of the health implications of exposure. These risks can be reduced by ensuring adequate control measures are in place and by promoting a culture of proactive health management on construction sites.”
The initiative has been welcomed by industry stakeholders, including the Construction Workers Health Trust (CWHT), which praised the HSA’s focus on airborne contaminants.
“Raising and maintaining awareness of the impact of silica dust is essential,” a CWHT spokesperson said. “Consistent use of clean air practices and safe systems of working are key to reducing exposure levels on site.”
The inspection campaign comes in the wake of a broader industry push for improved air quality on construction sites. In recent months, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Construction Industry Federation launched the Clean Air Site Campaign Flag, which encourages companies to adopt best practices for air quality management.
As the HSA intensifies enforcement, employers and workers are being urged to prioritise worker health by ensuring their sites meet safety standards designed to prevent long-term illness.
