Silica Dust Safety in Construction: New Compliance Expectations for Groundworkers

Why dust control is becoming a priority on every site

Silica dust remains one of the biggest heath risks facing construction workers. Activities such as cutting concrete, breaking out slabs, drilling masonry, and working with kerbs and paving can release respirable crystalline silica (RCS) - fine particles that can travel deep into the lungs and cause serious long-term health problems including silicosis, COPD, and lung cancer.

With greater awareness of the risks associated with silica exposure, construction companies are strengthening their dust management procedures to improve worker safety and maintain compliance with existing regulations, including the Control of substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

Effective dust control is essential

Groundworkers and contractors must take practical steps to reduce airborne dust when carrying out high-risk activities. HSE guidance recommends controlling exposure through methods such as:

• Water suppression, including water-fed cutting tools

• On-tool dust extraction systems

• Suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) where required

• Regular dust risk assessments and worker training

These controls are particularly important when cutting or breaking concrete, kerbs, paving, and other silica-containing materials where dust levels can quickly become hazardous.

Compliance goes beyond PPE

While RPE remains an important control measure, it should not be the first line of defence. Employers must prioritise reducing dust at the source through safer working methods, equipment selection and effective site controls.

RIDDOR reporting requirements also reinforce the importance of managing occupational health risks. Certain work-related diseases caused by exposure to hazardous substances must be reported where the relevant criteria are met.

Creating safer construction sites

As silica dust regulations and enforcement expectations continue to evolve, proactive dust management is becoming a key part of responsible construction practice.

For contractors, improving silica control means:

• Protecting workers from preventable health risks

• Meeting COSHH responsibilities

• Reducing compliance risks

• Building safer, more efficient sites

Silica dust may not always be visible, but its impact can last a lifetime. Effective prevention starts with the right controls, equipment, and awareness.

Sources:

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Silica dust in construction: https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/silica-dust.htm

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Construction dust: https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/construction-dust.htm

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Construction silica controls: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/construction-silica.htm

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – RIDDOR occupational diseases: https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/occupational-diseases.htm