A collaborative cross-border inspection initiative targeting silica dust exposure in the building sector has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The three-month enforcement drive began on 1 June. It involves inspectors from both jurisdictions conducting synchronised site visits across the island of Ireland to safeguard workers and prevent fatalities.

Julian Richmond, Principal Inspector at HSENI, welcomed the joint operation, which draws attention to the critical health hazards tied to breathing in silica dust when handling brick, concrete, stone, and other materials containing sand.

"Silica dust remains a significant health hazard within the construction industry with HSENI figures showing an estimated 20 people die each year in Northern Ireland from lung cancer due to exposure to silica dust. By working collaboratively with the HSA, we are reinforcing the importance of prevention, control and ongoing vigilance in managing dust exposure risks.

"Employers must take responsibility for implementing appropriate controls, providing appropriate equipment and training and ensuring that workers are protected from harm at all times," he said.

Commenting on the shared initiative, HSA Senior Inspector Joan Flynn stated: "This joint all‑island campaign reflects our shared commitment with HSENI to address serious occupational health risks in the construction sector. Exposure to silica dust can have devastating long-term consequences for workers' health.

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"Through coordinated inspections over the summer period, we aim to raise awareness around elimination or substitution and ensure that effective control measures are consistently in place to protect workers across the island. Where stringent control measures are implemented, we can reduce the number of deaths in relation to Occupational Diseases."

Inhaling silica dust can result in severe, irreversible medical conditions, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and silicosis.

Silicosis is an untreatable lung illness triggered by breathing in microscopic dust particles that scar lung tissue over extended periods. Symptoms include a continuous cough, breathing difficulties, exhaustion, and a higher risk of contracting respiratory infections. Similar to other workplace health hazards, the chronic effects are frequently delayed, eventually causing a lower quality of life and an increased risk of early death.

During the operational period, HSENI and HSA inspectors will concentrate on high-risk building site tasks, including drilling, grinding, cutting, and demolition. These processes generate dangerous volumes of silica dust if left unmanaged.

Officials will evaluate whether suitable control protocols are being utilised to eliminate or lower exposure risks. The targeted areas include water suppression systems, on-tool dust extraction units, containment and isolation approaches, the correct application of personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE), alongside sufficient worker training and health surveillance programmes.

Employers are reminded that eliminating exposure entirely is the most successful method for protecting personnel. Where elimination proves impractical, exposure levels must be managed through engineering controls, safe working practices, correct machinery, and regular health tracking.

Both safety authorities are calling on employers and site staff to utilise this campaign as a prompt to evaluate current operating procedures and guarantee full compliance with statutory health and safety laws. Additional information and guidance can be sourced via the official HSENI and HSA websites.