The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has launched an inspection campaign in partnership with the Irish Concrete Federation to address worker exposure to quarry dust.
Running for two weeks from 21 September, the campaign will see inspectors from the HSA Occupational Health division visit quarrying operations across Ireland to assess dust risk assessments, exposure controls and measures designed to protect workers from long term respiratory risks.
Tackling occupational dust exposure
Quarry dust can be generated during drilling, blasting, crushing, screening, transportation and maintenance activities. Fine respirable particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, with prolonged exposure potentially resulting in serious lung diseases.
Particular attention will be given to respirable crystalline silica where relevant. Inspectors will assess whether operators have identified potential sources and introduced appropriate controls to minimise worker exposure.
Darren Arkins, Programme Manager with the Health and Safety Authority, said: “The health effects associated with long-term dust exposure can be severe, life-changing and entirely preventable.
“Through this inspection campaign, the Authority aims to ensure that quarry operators are identifying sources of inhalable dusts, particularly respirable crystalline silica if relevant, implementing effective control measures and monitoring the measures to minimise worker exposures and protect health over the long term.
“Respirable crystalline silica can cause irreversible lung disease and increase the risk of lung cancer. The finest dust particles are often invisible, but the damage they can cause is very real. Employers need to ensure regular and ongoing review of their control measures”,
Controls under inspection
Inspectors will examine quarry activities that generate inhalable dust, alongside risk assessments, potential employee exposure and the effectiveness of existing control measures.
Water suppression and dust extraction systems will form part of the inspections, together with machinery maintenance, vehicle cab filtration, housekeeping and welfare facilities.
Worker training and awareness will also be examined, as will evidence that dust controls are being regularly reviewed and maintained.
Industry supports campaign
Gerry Farrell, Chief Executive of the Irish Concrete Federation, said: “Protecting workers from occupational health risks is a priority for the quarrying and concrete products sector.
“Effective dust control is not only a legal requirement but an essential investment in the long-term health of workers.”
“The Irish Concrete Federation strongly supports this campaign and encourages all quarry operators to review their dust management arrangements, making sure they are effective, and that they engage with workers on the importance of controlling exposure to dust.”
The HSA is also calling on operators to ensure dust generating activities are appropriately managed through engineering controls, water suppression, extraction systems, effective housekeeping and worker training.
