BUSINESS HELPDESK HELP DESK
DON’T LET DUST HARM YOUR BUSINESS
Health surveillance is a legal requirement for merchants with regular timber cutting where workers are exposed to harmful dust. Richard Denton, Head of Commercial Operations at Opus Safety, which provides the BMF Safety Partnership for members, explains how to protect your workers and your business.
THE HEALTH AND Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority enforcement bodies are intensifying their focus on dust exposure and health surveillance, making these key priorities for businesses in the building materials sector. Failure to address these risks can result in serious health conditions for workers, as well as legal penalties and operational disruptions.
The Risks of Dust Exposure
Dust from wood, cement and silica-containing products poses significant health hazards. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory diseases, including: Silicosis – caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, leading to lung scarring and breathing difficulties.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a long-term condition that affects lung function and causes breathlessness.
Occupational asthma – triggered by inhalation of wood, leading to airway inflammation. Even short-term exposure to high levels of harmful dust can cause eye irritation, skin conditions and temporary breathing difficulties, highlighting the need for strict control measures.
Implementing Effective Health Surveillance
Health surveillance is a legal requirement for merchants with regular timber cutting, one of the main producers of harmful dust. Regular monitoring helps detect early signs of work-related
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“Even short-term exposure to high levels of harmful dust can cause eye irritation, skin conditions and temporary breathing difficulties, highlighting the need for strict control measures.”
illnesses, allowing for timely intervention. Key elements of an effective health surveillance programme include:
Initial and ongoing health assessments – to establish a baseline and track any emerging health issues.
Lung function testing (spirometry) – to identify early signs of respiratory problems. Workplace exposure monitoring – to ensure dust levels remain within legal limits. By implementing structured health surveillance, merchants not only demonstrate regulatory compliance but will also improve worker well-being and reduce absenteeism due to work-related illnesses.
Reducing the risk To effectively manage dust exposure of for example their timber activities, builders’ merchants should adopt the following best practices: Improve ventilation – Install local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems to capture dust at the source and ensure these are maintained
Regular cleaning regimes – Implement routine cleaning schedules using approved dust suppression methods. Do not dry sweep. PPE – Provide employees with suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and ensure proper face-fit testing or use air-fed masks where the risk requires it.
Train employees on dust
safety – Educate staff on the risks of dust exposure and best practices for dust control.
Next steps
The BMF has teamed up with Opus Safety to provide the BMF Safety Partnership for members. The service, which includes an initial free safety check, combines risk analysis, ongoing training and support, and work-saving software that simplifies safety processes across one branch or many. Regarding health surveillance, Opus Safety offers a variety of ways to make it easy to stay compliant and protect workers, including:
On-site dust surveys – to assess exposure levels and recommend control measures. Occupational Health Services – including lung function tests, health assessments, face fit testing and surveillance programs. Expert Compliance Guidance – ensuring your business meets safety regulations and avoids potential fines.
Opus Safety will ensure any advice is proportionate. By staying ahead of dust control and health surveillance requirements, builders’ merchants can protect their workforce, reduce business risks, and create a safer working environment. Prioritising these measures today will ensure long- term compliance and worker well-being, positioning your business for continued success in an increasingly regulated industry .BMJ
• To find out more talk to the Opus team on 0330 043 4015 or email richard@opus-safety.
co.uk.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2025
Photo: Ivan Samkov
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