Hidden Killer on Site as All-Island Silica Dust Inspection Campaign Begins
HSA and HSENI launch summer enforcement drive targeting exposure risks linked to lung disease, cancer and premature death
4 June 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) have launched a joint all-island inspection campaign targeting silica dust exposure in the construction sector, highlighting what regulators describe as one of the industry’s most serious occupational health risks.
The campaign, which began on 2 June and will run until the end of August, will see inspectors from both jurisdictions carry out coordinated inspections on construction sites across Ireland. The initiative focuses on activities known to generate respirable crystalline silica dust, including cutting, grinding, drilling and demolition works involving concrete, stone, brick and other sand-based materials.
Silica dust exposure remains a significant concern across the construction industry due to its link with severe and often irreversible respiratory illnesses. Long-term exposure can lead to silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with symptoms including persistent coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections.
Inspectors will assess whether contractors and employers have implemented effective measures to eliminate or minimise worker exposure. These measures include water suppression systems, on-tool dust extraction, containment and isolation methods, the correct use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as worker training and health surveillance programmes.
Joan Flynn, Senior Inspector with the HSA, said the campaign demonstrates a shared commitment between both regulators to tackle serious occupational health risks within construction.
“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.”
Julian Richmond, Principal Inspector with HSENI, said silica dust continues to pose a major health hazard within the construction industry.
“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.”
The regulators are reminding employers that eliminating exposure remains the most effective control measure. Where this is not possible, exposure levels must be reduced through engineering controls, safe systems of work, suitable equipment and ongoing health monitoring.
The campaign comes as occupational health receives increasing attention across the construction sector, with regulators placing greater emphasis on long-term worker wellbeing alongside traditional site safety measures. Both organisations are encouraging employers and workers to use the inspection programme as an opportunity to review existing controls and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
