Hidden killer on site: All Island campaign targets silica dust

Date published: 02 June 2026

A joint all island inspection campaign focusing on silica dust exposure in the construction sector is being launched by the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The three-month campaign which starts on 1 June, will see inspectors from both jurisdictions carrying out coordinated inspections across the island of Ireland in a bid to save lives and protect workers.

Julian Richmond, Principal Inspector with HSENI, welcomed the joint initiative which will highlight the serious health risks associated with exposure to silica dust when working with concrete, stone, brick and other sand based materials.

“Silica dust remains a significant health hazard within the construction industry with HSENI figures showing an estimated 20 people die each year in Northern Ireland from lung cancer due to exposure to silica dust. By working collaboratively with the HSA, we are reinforcing the importance of prevention, control and ongoing vigilance in managing dust exposure risks.

“Employers must take responsibility for implementing appropriate controls, providing appropriate equipment and training and ensuring that workers are protected from harm at all times,” he said.

Speaking about the joint campaign, Joan Flynn, Senior Inspector with the HSA, said:

“This joint all island campaign reflects our shared commitment with HSENI to address serious occupational health risks in the construction sector. Exposure to silica dust can have devastating long-term consequences for workers’ health.

“Through coordinated inspections over the summer period, we aim to raise awareness around elimination or substitution and ensure that effective control measures are consistently in place to protect workers across the island. Where stringent control measures are implemented, we can reduce the number of deaths in relation to Occupational Diseases.”

Exposure to silica dust can cause severe and often irreversible illnesses, including silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling fine dust particles that damage lung tissue over time. Symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. As with other occupational health risks, the long-term effects may not be immediately visible but results in reduced quality of life and increased likelihood of premature death.

Over the course of the campaign, inspectors from the HSENI and HSA will focus on high risk construction activities such as cutting, grinding, drilling and demolition. 

These activities are known to generate hazardous silica dust if not properly controlled.

Inspectors will assess whether appropriate control measures are in place to eliminate or reduce exposure. These include:

• water suppression systems
• on tool dust extraction
• containment and isolation methods
• appropriate use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• adequate training and health surveillance for workers

Employers are reminded that the most effective way to protect workers is to eliminate exposure where possible. Where elimination is not feasible, exposure must be reduced through engineering controls, safe systems of work, appropriate equipment and ongoing health monitoring.

Both organisations are urging employers and workers to use this campaign as an opportunity to review current practices and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.

Further guidance is available at the following links:

• Silica dust
• Health and Safety Authority (hsa.ie)