On the building or construction site

This information is for quarry workers, builders, stoneworkers, woodworkers and painters. It gives information on things in the workplace that could damage the lungs and advice on how to protect them.

What are the hazards?

These are some of the hazards you may come into contact with at work.

  • Silica dust

    Created when working on materials that have silica in them (for example concrete, mortar, sandstone and artificial stone).

  • Wood dust

    Created when working on softwood, hardwood and wood-based products like MDF and plywood.

  • Less toxic dusts

    Created when working on materials containing very little or no silica. The most common include gypsum (e.g. in plasterboard), limestone, marble and dolomite.

  • Asbestos

    A group of tiny minerals that was used a lot in building work in the past. When material containing asbestos is moved or damaged, a dust containing fibres of asbestos can go into the air and be breathed in.

  • Isocyanates

    Found in products including paints, coatings, foams, glues and flooring. Two-pack polyurethane spray paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives, sealants and spray foam are common sources on construction sites.

  • Mould and bioaerosols

    Found in damp or water-damaged buildings, particularly during renovation or demolition work.

  • Diesel engine exhaust

    Released from diesel-powered equipment such as handheld plant, plate compactors, excavators and generators, particularly when used in poorly ventilated spaces.

  • Lead-based paint

    Older buildings may have layers of lead-based paint, which is no longer used due to its health risks. Sanding, scraping or removing old paint can release lead dust into the air.

Smoking or vaping harms your lungs

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung conditions like COPD and lung cancer.
Vaping also exposes your lungs to harmful chemicals.

Quitting smoking or vaping will help protect your lungs.

Nicotine is addictive, and stopping can be difficult.

Conditions

How can your health be affected?

How to protect yourself

Your employer has a responsibility to ensure the work environment is appropriately ventilated and that you are provided with protective clothing and appropriate safety advice.

Here are seven things you can do to ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect your lung health at work.

  • Assess Risk

    Do risk assessments to make sure you are doing jobs safely and efficiently.

  • Work carefully

    Avoid making too much dust when you work:

    • Use water to dampen and reduce dust clouds
    • Use extraction equipment on your tools where possible
    • If there is an option to use a tool that creates less dust, use it

  • Ventilation

    Make sure that your work area is appropriately ventilated so that cleaner air can come into the room.

    Make sure you have a dust extractor and that it is switched on and working.

  • Wear the right protective equipment

    Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce exposure to harmful substances, particularly when other measures cannot fully control what’s in the air. Depending on your work, this could include masks, gloves or eye protection. Your employer is responsible for providing the right equipment for your role, as well as training on how to use it correctly.

    Different masks and other PPE are available in a range of sizes and designs. If you are having trouble using the equipment supplied by your employer, you should discuss the options for using a different kind.

  • Keep it clean

    • Use an industrial vacuum to clear dust from the floors, walls and rafters
    • If using a brush wet the dust before sweeping it up
    • Avoid getting dust on your own clothes and hair – wear overalls and headgear
    • If wearing your own clothes, wash them regularly and leave them at work – do not wear them at home

  • Health check-ups

    Get your health checked regularly. If there is a health scheme at your workplace, take part in it. Otherwise, see a healthcare professional regularly and make sure they know about your workplace. Health surveillance might include answering questions about your symptoms or lung function tests. This can help identify problems early.

    If you notice any new symptoms or are concerned about your health, don’t wait. Report them to your doctor or occupational health scheme promptly.

  • Know what to expect from your employer

    Your employer has a responsibility to reduce your exposure to harmful substances. This can include using safer alternatives where possible, ensuring adequate ventilation, and providing the right equipment, training and safety advice.

    If any of this seems to be missing at your workplace, it is worth raising it with your employer, health and safety representative or union.

More information