The document discusses occupational diseases in the UK construction industry. It notes that while 39 workers fatally in construction accidents in 2012-2013, occupational diseases pose a much larger burden, with an estimated 13,000 deaths per year from work-related illness. Major causes of occupational illness include asbestos exposure (almost 5000 deaths/year), silica exposure (1000 new cancer cases/year), and diesel exhaust exposure (1000 cancer cases/year). The document calls for continued efforts from organizations like the HSE, employers, unions, and occupational hygienists to recognize health hazards, evaluate exposures, control risks, and prevent occupational illness through engineering solutions, work practices, and PPE.

1. Lifting the load: Reducing the
burden of occupational disease in
the UK
Mike Slater
BOHS President 2014/15

2. On Sunday 13th April 2014 there was
a two page spread in the Observer

4. On the next day this happened …….

6. • 39 fatal injuries
to workers in
Construction in
2012/13

7. But accident statistics
don’t tell the full story

8. Here this worker is exposed to dust containing silica that
presents a serious risk to his health

9. Exposure to respirable silica dust can cause silicosis – a
serious lung disease that can be fatal

10. and lung cancer

11. • About 3 700
occupational
cancer cases in
construction

12. • over 500 workers
believed to die
from exposure to
silica dust

13. • 31 000 new
cases of work-
related ill health

14. There are currently
approximately 13,000
deaths each year due
to occupational
diseases in the whole
of industry

16. 13,000 people per year equates to 36 people per
day, but we don’t hear anything about it in the news

17. 148 workers died in accidents at work

18. 99%
health
Approx 12,000 died from work related disease
148 workers died in accidents at work

19. An estimated 1.1 million
people who worked in
2011/12 were suffering
from a work-related illness

20. What are the main causes
of occupational ill health in
Great Britain?

21. Almost 5000 deaths per year are
attributable to asbestos exposure

22. Silica released during stone cutting activities
Source: HSE
Here we can see a stonemason who is
exposed to dust containing crystalline silica

23. Silica released during stone cutting activities
Source: HSE
Around 1000 new cancer cases per year
due to silica exposure

24. Fume from processes like this one can
lead to COPD (Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease)

25. Now you see it
The paint in this example contains
solvents and isocyanates, a major cause
of occupational asthma

26. Bakers are about
80 times more
likely to develop
occupational
asthma than the
average British
worker

27. Many workers can be exposed to diesel
exhaust emissions – a known carcinogen

28. Approx 1000 cancer cases every year due
to exposure to diesel exhaust emissions at
work

29. Workers manufacturing pharmaceutical products can
be exposed to highly toxic dusts

30. Recycling
Here workers can be exposed to a wide range of hazardous
such as lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxic metals, and
biological agents

31. Fracking
Fracking has been in the news due to environmental
concerns, but the process can also lead to workers being
exposed to silica dust and hazardous chemicals

32. And it’s not just chemical agents
Here exposure to noise can cause deafness and
vibration from the power tool can cause nerve and
vascular damaage

35. Recognise Evaluate Control
Occupational Hygiene

36. Recognise Evaluate Control
Occupational Hygiene

37. Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE

38. Employers
Have the key role in preventing ill health
due to work

39. HSE
Government
Employers
Trade Unions
Professionals
But others have a role to play too

40. “HSE .. (should continue) .. to
seek new and innovative
ideas for interventions that
maximise its impact on the
continuing high levels of
work-related ill health.”

43. HSE
Government
Employers
Trade Unions
Professionals

44. http://www.bohs.org
Occupational Hygienists have the knowledge
and skills to help employers find solutions

45. http://www.bohs.org/OHServices-directory/

47. http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0pTnkODfIHad5s9dpuPrpw?feature=watch

48. President@bohs.org
http://www.bohs.org
Twitter: @bohsworld
http://www.slideshare.net/mikeslater