New Toolkit Launched as Research Exposes Silica Knowledge Gap

A potentially life-saving toolkit has been launched for construction workers after research uncovered “significant gaps” in awareness of the dangers of silica dust.

A new study funded through the Chartered Institute of Building‘s (CIOB) Paul Dockerill Award found senior managers across the construction sector do not have the awareness, knowledge or organisational support needed to effectively manage silica dust.

The research led by Dr Scott McGibbon FCIOB, found significant gaps in understanding among those responsible for planning, managing and overseeing construction work, despite silica dust being one of the industry’s most serious long-term occupational health risks.

Dr McGibbon said: “The industry has made enormous progress in improving site safety, but occupational health has not always kept up. Silica dust remains one of construction’s most underestimated hazards, and our research shows there are significant gaps in awareness among those responsible for managing risk.”

Silica Toolkit

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is generated when materials such as brick, concrete, mortar, stone, tiles and plasterboard are cut, drilled or demolished. The microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing irreversible diseases including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and lung cancer.

To help professionals and the public understand the risks posed by silica dust and adopt best practice to minimise exposure and impact, Dr McGibbon has developed the Residents, Clients and Construction Excellence Toolkit (ReACT).

The toolkit recommends developing recognised competency standards and qualifications for silica dust management, introducing mandatory training and upskilling programmes, producing practical technical guidance and embedding silica dust considerations into procurement.

It also calls for greater investment in exposure monitoring, health surveillance and workforce development.

“This isn’t simply about introducing more paperwork. It is about embedding silica dust management into the way projects are procured, planned and delivered,” added Dr McGibbon.

“Clients, contractors and the wider supply chain all have a role to play in raising standards through better training, stronger leadership and greater accountability.

“I hope anyone working in the industry or carrying out a construction project in their own home will use the ReACT toolkit to better understand how they can protect themselves from the serious health risks which silica dust can cause if not treated with caution.”

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