Senior managers across the construction sector do not have the awareness, knowledge or organisational support needed to effectively manage silica dust, according to a major new study funded through the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) Paul Dockerill Award.
The worrying discovery has led to the launch of a potentially life-saving toolkit for anyone working on a construction project – whether that is at home or as part of their work – to be aware of the dangers posed by silica dust.
The research and toolkit, 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.”
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.
Alongside the research, Dr McGibbon has developed the Residents, Clients and Construction Excellence Toolkit (ReACT) - a practical resource to help professionals and the public understand the risks posed by silica dust and adopt best practice to minimise exposure and impact.
The study combined an extensive literature review with a survey of housing management professionals, interviews with senior leaders across the construction sector and a consultation with industry stakeholders to examine how silica dust is currently managed.
While respondents overwhelmingly recognised the importance of education and training, the findings revealed worrying shortcomings.
The survey found:
- 100% believed education and training are fundamental to improving silica dust management
- 75% do not consistently use project silica exposure plans or inspect safe working practices
- 75% were unaware of the current UK Workplace Exposure Limit for silica dust
- 68% were unaware there are three recognised modes of silica dust transmission
- 63% were unaware silica dust exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and cancer
- Every respondent said their organisation was not fully equipped to deal effectively with silica dust.
Interviews with senior leaders revealed further challenges. Participants identified commercial pressures, organisational culture, skills shortages and inconsistent understanding of existing health and safety frameworks as barriers to improving silica dust management.
Many also felt current construction health and safety processes do not sufficiently address silica dust risks and called for a more structured approach, similar to asbestos management.
Dr McGibbon added: "This isn't simply about introducing more paperwork. It is about embedding silica dust management into the way projects are procured, planned and delivered. 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.“
The report 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.
For more information on the CIOB’s Paul Dockerill Award, which is available to both members and non-members, and details on how to apply, visit the award’s dedicated webpage.
