The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is beginning a two-week national inspection campaign focusing on silica dust exposure in construction.

The campaign aims to highlight the serious risks associated with exposure to silica dust, which can occur anywhere that concrete, stone, or sand-based materials are being used.

According to the HSA, exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust at work can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other serious diseases.

Silicosis is a progressive, incurable lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust particles that damage and scar lung tissue.

During the campaign, inspectors will focus on activities known to generate silica dust, such as cutting, grinding, drilling, and demolition of materials like concrete, stone, and brick.