HSE asks for help with dust study

Health and safety experts have asked for assistance with a study aimed at preventing lung disease.

The Health and Safety Executive has called for contractors and manufacturers to help its Reducing Respiratory Disease in Kerb, Paving and Block Cutting project, which is designed to tackle lung disease caused by exposure to dust during kerb, paving and block cutting operations.

A working group set up and chaired by Dr Robert Ellis of the HSE's Disease Reduction Programme has been tasked with helping eliminate diseases such as mesothelioma, which are caused by inhaling minute particles of silica dust.

A timetable to deliver the project has been drawn out and agreed by working group members, who include contractors, local authorities and network managers.

Now it needs the wider construction industry to help out with feedback and input to help deliver its goals, according to Dr Ellis.

He said: 'We are all clear on the working group that the wider construction community needs to be involved in the delivery stage of the project, which we are hoping to be in early next year.'