The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched a new inspection campaign focusing on dust exposure in quarries, concrete works, and private waste facilities, as part of its year-long drive to promote healthier workplaces.

The initiative will see HSENI inspectors visiting sites to assess whether appropriate measures are in place to effectively control dust, a known health hazard in these environments.


Highlighting the importance of the campaign, HSENI Principal Inspector Brian Pryce said: "Workplace dust can be incredibly dangerous, and our new inspection programme aims to raise awareness of those dangers and to ensure employers have all the necessary measures in place to protect their employees from long term health issues including COPD, Lung Cancer, and Silicosis.

"HSENI Inspectors will be providing information and advice during the inspection campaign to assist dutyholder's to ensure a culture that values health as much as safety. Where significant risks are found Inspectors may take enforcement action to achieve compliance with health and safety legislation to ensure that the risks are properly managed," he added.