Construction workers warned about lung disease

Lung disease is a threat to construction workers

Every week construction workers in the UK are dying from lung disease because they have inhaled hazardous substances at work.

The seriousness of the situation prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to deliver an awareness campaign during recent weeks whilst its inspectors carried out health-related site inspections.

Construction workers have a high risk of developing lung diseases because many common construction tasks – such as cutting paving blocks, kerbs, flags and roof tiles, grinding, sweeping and cutting and sanding wood – can create high dust levels.

Regularly breathing in construction dust can cause diseases like lung cancerasthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and silicosis.

However, according to the HSE the biggest occupational risk to construction workers is asbestos which can lead to several different types of lung disease.

In fact, every year around 5,000 tradespeople in the UK – or 50 a week – die as a result of past exposure to asbestos.

How is asbestos connected with lung disease?

Asbestos is known to cause two types of cancer: mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer. Mesothelioma begins in the tissue mesothelium that lines the lungs, heart, stomach and other organs and exposure to asbestos is responsible in nine out of 10 cases.

Asbestos is also linked to other serious lung diseases such as asbestosis, which is a scarring of the lungs, and diffuse pleural thickening which is a thickening of the membrane surrounding the lungs.

The reason construction workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related lung diseases is because asbestos was used so much by the UK construction industry in the 20th century.

The natural fibrous rock acts as an insulator which means it is great at keeping heat in and keeping the cold out. It also has impressive fire protection properties and protects against corrosion.

As a result, for decades it was a staple of the UK’s construction industry and can be found in many construction materials and fittings such as ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers and sprayed coating.

The use of asbestos is now banned in this country but it can still be found in buildings here which were built before the year 2000.

If asbestos is well maintained and monitored by trained experts the health risks associated with it can be managed.

However, if asbestos is disturbed or damaged – for example if someone cuts or drills into it during construction work – it releases dangerous fibres into the air which can be inhaled and cause serious lung diseases.

The picture with this blog shows why asbestos continues to be dangerous to construction and maintenance workers today. It was taken by one our senior asbestos surveyors whilst he was working onsite a few days ago. What it shows is insulation debris and asbestos warning stickers swept into a corner of a boiler room.

With all that we now know about the dangers of asbestos, it’s shocking that we’re still finding these types of dangerous situations. In this case we’re just thankful that one of our trained surveyors – all of whom wear the correct protective clothing and equipment – made this discovery rather than someone who wouldn’t appreciate the danger. 

Can we protect construction workers from lung disease caused by asbestos?

The good news is there are things that can be done to protect construction workers from the dangers of asbestos.

Firstly, before any refurbishment, demolition or construction work begins, it’s important to find out if asbestos is present – and what state it is in – through an asbestos survey.

Owners or managers of non-domestic properties have a legal duty to manage asbestos and record its presence to manage the risk of exposure to themselves, their employees and others.

The results of the asbestos survey enables them to assess the risks and put in place any control measures which are needed.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out what construction firms need to do to comply with the law. Failure to adhere to this can put workers and members of the public at risk and can leave companies, bosses and managers at risk of prosecution, huge fines and even prison sentences.

Where can I get help?

Managing asbestos on construction projects can be a daunting prospect because the risks associated with not doing this successfully are literally life-threatening.

At Acorn, we have more than 20 years of professional experience of effectively and efficiently managing asbestos. Our team works alongside businesses, authorities, schools and individuals to ensure people are protected from the dual threat of the dangers of asbestos and the danger of prosecution.

Our team can conduct a wide range of asbestos-related services, including thorough asbestos surveys, definitive air testing and UKAS accredited Asbestos Stage 4 Clearances.

So, whatever asbestos challenge you are facing, we can help you to overcome it and keep people safe.

Acorn is a professional asbestos consultancy helping organisations deal with asbestos compliance using asbestos surveysasbestos air testing, and asbestos removal management. Please call one of the team, or use the online form to obtain your free quotation. If you would like further information or advice on asbestos and asbestos training, contact the team on 0844 818 0895 or Contact Us

Neil Munro

I work in a dual role at Acorn Analytical Services focused primarily on growing and leading the business from our Northampton office base. My focus is on overseeing all sales, marketing and financial activities from Northampton. I assist clients with high-level asbestos management strategies and training. Together with Ian Stone I host our weekly podcast – Asbestos Knowledge Empire and I'm Co-author of Asbestos The Dark Arts and Fear and Loathing of Health and Safety.

Need Help? Request a Call Back

Request a call back from one of our expert Asbestos Consultants who will help you identify what you need

More Asbestos Articles

You need to think carefully about asbestos

Asbestos: Think carefully before signing on the dotted line

A BUILDER who lied to his customers about his asbestos industry credentials has been forced to pay back the thousands of pounds. According to the Environment Agency, Lee Charles used false paperwork to convince customers he was legitimate and had the qualifications necessary to remove asbestos and store it safely. In reality, Charles had no … Read more

Asbestos surveyor

Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: How Hiring a Professional Asbestos Surveyor Could Save Your Business and Property

Could your business be at risk from an invisible threat, hidden within the very structure of your buildings? Understanding the importance of a professional asbestos surveyor could be key to preserving your business operations and the integrity of your properties. Uncovering the hidden dangers of asbestos can protect your employees’ health, save significant costs in … Read more

inexperienced asbestos consultants (Medium)

The Rise of Inexperienced Asbestos Consultants: A Growing Concern

The asbestos industry is facing an alarming issue with the rise of inexperienced asbestos consultants. These individuals, lacking proper accreditation and expertise, are entering the market with only basic P402 qualifications. In this article, we aim to highlight the potential risks and consequences associated with this concerning trend. Understanding P402 Qualification The BOHS P402 qualification, … Read more

The Houses of Parliament are 'riddled' with asbestos

Asbestos: Living with the legacy of the past

THERE is so much asbestos in the Houses of Parliament it would take 300 people two-and-a-half years to remove it completely. That’s the view of members of the Public Accounts Committee who fear that the Parliament buildings are at risk of crumbling unless swift action is taken. In older buildings, asbestos is a common problem … Read more

Mesothelioma - celebrating the work of nurses

Mesothelioma: Celebrating the work of Mesothelioma UK’s nurses

IF you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ll know that mesothelioma – the cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres – is a cause close to all our hearts. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with Mesothelioma UK, the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people living with mesothelioma and their families, … Read more

Let your career in the asbestos industry grow with Acorn

Let your career in the asbestos industry grow with Acorn

GIVING young people the opportunities they need to build successful careers in asbestos and health and safety is a big part of the work we do here at Acorn Analytical Services. Having all started off as apprentices and learnt our trade over many years, we pride ourselves on providing the right environment where the next … Read more

Here for you on Safety and Health at Work Day and every day

Here for you on Safety and Health at Work Day – and every day

ASBESTOS is one of the biggest health and safety hazards in the UK contributing to 2,700 deaths from mesothelioma every year. To mark Safety and Health at Work Day we wanted to highlight the range of services Acorn Analytical Services provides to help protect yourself and those around you from his hidden killer. We’ll also … Read more

Asbestos is dominating the headlines once again

Asbestos – silent killer dominating national headlines once again

ASBESTOS has once again dominated the headlines this weekend with The Sunday Times focussing on the stories of real people who have been affected by this hidden killer. Research shows there could be as much as six million tonnes of asbestos contained within 1.5 million buildings in the UK – including 90% of hospitals and … Read more

Construction workers are at a much greater risk of being exposed to the dangers of asbestos

‘Asbestos awareness is crucial for everyone involved in the construction industry’

IF you work in the construction industry chances are you will come into contact with asbestos – perhaps without even realising it. With hundreds of thousands of buildings in the UK still believed to contain this highly dangerous material, even something as simple as drilling a hole could leave you vulnerable to exposure, and at … Read more

Mesothelioma can affect anyone of any age

Raising awareness of mesothelioma – a deadly cancer which kills 2,500 people every year

AS Global Asbestos Awareness Week draws to a close, we felt it was important to shine a light on the work of Mesothlioma UK, a charity which is close to all our hearts. For many years, Acorn Analytical Services has been very proud to support the work of this amazing charity which supports people living … Read more