{"id":61326,"date":"2019-08-06T08:51:19","date_gmt":"2019-08-06T07:51:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=61326"},"modified":"2019-08-06T08:51:19","modified_gmt":"2019-08-06T07:51:19","slug":"unite-silica-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/health-safety-news\/unite-silica-register\/61326\/","title":{"rendered":"Unite launches silica register to protect construction workers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unite the union<\/a> has launched an online silica register to allow construction workers who have been exposed to silica dust to register their exposure, to assist with potential future legal cases<\/h2>\n

The silica register is to track silica dust (respirable crystalline silica) which is created when cutting, grinding, drilling or polishing, natural substances such as rocks and sand and is also a major constituent in bricks, tiles, concrete and materials.<\/p>\n

Industries where workers are potentially exposed to silica include: mining, quarrying, foundries, potteries, ceramics, glass manufacturing, stonemasonry, construction and industries using silica flour.<\/p>\n

Inhaling large amounts of silica dust<\/a> over a long period can cause silicosis a serious respiratory disease; it can also lead to other potentially fatal illnesses including lung cancer, tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.<\/p>\n

The symptoms of silicosis take many years to develop, making a silica register even more important to identify when and where workers were exposed. The symptoms of silicosis include: shortness of breath, severe cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, chest pains and fever.<\/p>\n

It is the employers\u2019 responsibility to prevent workers from being exposed to silica dust; this should be by removing the risk, using dust suppression measures or by issuing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as properly fitting masks in order to prevent exposure.<\/p>\n

Unite national health and safety advisor Bud Hudspith, said:\u00a0\u201cThe Unite silica register is an important step to help members provide evidence for possible future claims.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilica exposure can have long-term serious health consequences for workers, but simple measures can prevent the health of workers being damaged.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately many employers remain willing to play fast and loose with the health of their workers.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnite\u2019s primary aim is to ensure employers prevent silicosis<\/a> and lung cancer through the removal or strict control of silica dust.\u201d<\/p>\n

The silica register was developed in Unite\u2019s south east region, where members of the union employed at Prysmian Cables in Hampshire which is a world leader in cable production, raised concerns about the long-term welfare of fellow workers.<\/p>\n

Michael Hobbs, Unite\u2019s senior steward at Prysmian Cables, commented:\u00a0\u201c<\/em><\/strong>The silica register is long overdue; the threat of exposure is a millstone round the necks of workers in many different sectors.<\/p>\n

\u201cEducating and warning workers about the dangers of airborne dust will undoubtedly save lives, so credit should be given to everyone behind launching this much needed campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>The silica register can be found\u00a0online<\/a>.<\/p>\n