If the proper controls aren’t in place, exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can cause serious, life-changing health conditions. Silica dust is generated during activities such as cutting, drilling, grinding or polishing materials like concrete, brick, stone and mortar. The smallest particles are invisible to the naked eye and can penetrate deep into the lungs.
The main health risks include:
Silicosis – an irreversible lung disease caused by scarring of the lungs. Symptoms include breathlessness, coughing and reduced lung function. In severe cases, it can be disabling or fatal.
Lung cancer – prolonged exposure to silica dust increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, leading to persistent breathlessness and reduced quality of life.
Other health effects – workers with silica-related lung damage may also be at increased risk of tuberculosis, kidney disease and certain autoimmune conditions.
One of the biggest concerns is that these diseases often develop slowly over many years, meaning workers may not realise damage is occurring until it becomes significant and irreversible
We have worked with Safewell for many years and are retained clients, so we have developed an excellent working relationship with the team. However, this really came into its own when Covid 19 appeared.
As a Plumbing and Heating business, we were able to carry on working during the lockdown but only for responding to emergencies. We were obviously very concerned about the health and safety of our employees and before we even had chance to get in touch with Safewell, they had emailed us offering their assistance. It is hard to put down on paper how that made us feel - we like everyone else felt totally at sea, which way to turn, what to do? But Safewell were there guiding, supporting and being totally brilliant. Their attention to detail is very impressive and reassuring and we feel able to ask lots of questions without feeling silly.
During the pandemic Safewell helped us to write risk assessments, safety procedures and protocols. They kept in touch regularly, issuing new guidance as soon as it appeared and checking in with us. They held group Q&A sessions over Zoom which were helpful, and knowing other businesses were facing the same challenges and having the opportunity to discuss issues was invaluable. Their help during the preparation for a full return to work was brilliant, they enabled us to be fully prepared and feel in control, and when we had our first case of Covid within the team, because we had planned our response it felt ok.
I think our team felt very reassured by our robust approach and that our office was Covid secure. We are extremely grateful to all the team at Safewell
