The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) have begun a joint all‑island inspection campaign targeting exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the construction sector.

Running from this week until the end of August, inspectors from both jurisdictions will carry out coordinated visits across Ireland over the summer to assess how sites are preventing harmful dust exposure when working with concrete, stone, brick and other sand‑based materials.

The initiative highlights the serious, often irreversible health effects linked to silica dust, including silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Silicosis is an incurable lung condition caused by inhaling fine dust that damages lung tissue over time, with symptoms such as persistent cough, breathlessness, fatigue and greater susceptibility to respiratory infections. As with many occupational health issues, impacts can take years to show, yet can greatly reduce quality of life and raise the risk of premature death.

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Inspectors will focus on high‑risk activities such as cutting, grinding, drilling and demolition, which are known to generate hazardous dust when not properly controlled.

Checks will examine whether effective measures are in place to eliminate or reduce exposure, including the use of water suppression, on‑tool dust extraction, containment and isolation methods, suitable respiratory and personal protective equipment (RPE/PPE), and appropriate worker training and health surveillance.

Joan Flynn, Senior Inspector with the HSA, said: "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. 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."

Julian Richmond, Principal Inspector with HSENI added, "Silica dust remains a significant health hazard within the construction industry. 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."

Employers are urged to eliminate exposure wherever possible and, where that is not feasible, to minimise it through engineering controls, safe systems of work, the correct equipment and ongoing health monitoring. Both organisations are encouraging employers and workers to use the campaign to review current practices and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Further guidance is available at www.hsa.ie and www.hseni.gov.uk.