Silicosis awareness 'to be raised at event'
March 26, 2009
An awareness day is being held in Edinburgh to raise the profile of silicosis among UK stonemasons, which could highlight the importance of COSHH training.
The session is being run by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Construction Skills, the Scottish Lime Centre Trust and the Scottish Stone Liaison Group and is sponsored by the City of Edinburgh Council.
It will be held on April 1st and aims to tackle the problems presented by the lung disease, which affects an estimated 500 members of the stonemason trade.
Marjorie Mitchell, speaking on behalf of the HSE, claims the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica is one of the hazards of working with this material.
She highlights the fact that there are steps employers can take to minimise the risk, which could include COSHH training.
Ms Mitchell states: "Employers have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of their staff and this is a good example of different organisations coming together to share their knowledge."
According to the HSE, heavy and prolonged workplace exposure to crystalline silica contained in dust can increase the risk of a sufferer developing lung cancer.
The session is being run by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Construction Skills, the Scottish Lime Centre Trust and the Scottish Stone Liaison Group and is sponsored by the City of Edinburgh Council.
It will be held on April 1st and aims to tackle the problems presented by the lung disease, which affects an estimated 500 members of the stonemason trade.
Marjorie Mitchell, speaking on behalf of the HSE, claims the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica is one of the hazards of working with this material.
She highlights the fact that there are steps employers can take to minimise the risk, which could include COSHH training.
Ms Mitchell states: "Employers have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of their staff and this is a good example of different organisations coming together to share their knowledge."
According to the HSE, heavy and prolonged workplace exposure to crystalline silica contained in dust can increase the risk of a sufferer developing lung cancer.
More COSHH news:
Plant fined GBP12000 after workers overcome by toxic fumes - June 26, 2009Merseyside companies urged not to ignore health and safety warnings - June 23, 2009
Fine issued for chemical release - April 6, 2009
Scotland govt reveals health and safety problem - January 29, 2009
Legionnaires can be contracted through water sprays - January 14, 2009
