Lessons Learned From Asbestos: Can We Apply Them To Crystalline Silica?

The management of asbestos in the workplace offers a cautionary tale for today’s health and safety professionals, particularly regarding the growing threat posed by crystalline silica dust. Although awareness of occupational lung diseases and the critical role of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) are increasing, it is nevertheless pertinent to ask: are we at risk of repeating past mistakes?

From Asbestos To Silica: A New Occupational Health Risk

Following the UK’s ban on asbestos in 1999, the construction industry has witnessed a shift in occupational hazards. Crystalline silica, which is released during activities such as cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, stone, and brick, has now overtaken asbestos as the leading cause of work-related respiratory illness in construction. While asbestos still claims approximately 5,000 lives annually in the UK, diseases caused by inhaling silica dust, such as silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are rising, with approximately half a million people exposed to the substance at work each year.

Like asbestos fibres, fine crystalline silica particles are invisible and potentially deadly, making effective RPE and dust control vital in all construction environments.

Why Does Silica Need Stronger Legal Protection?

One of the clearest lessons from asbestos is the importance of regulation. While specific laws transformed asbestos handling practices, no equivalent legislation exists for crystalline silica in the UK. Current protection relies on broader frameworks, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (2002). Although these laws require employers to limit harmful exposures, the lack of silica-specific regulation leaves significant gaps in enforcement and worker protection.

In contrast, the European Union introduced binding exposure limits for respirable crystalline silica under the 2017 amendment to the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive. The UK, therefore, should consider following suit before history repeats itself.

Raising Awareness Through Training

Education and training also remain critical weak points. In many construction environments, awareness of the dangers of silica dust is low. Too often, workers are unaware of the long-term effects or are not adequately trained to recognise poor dust control practices. Comprehensive training programmes, covering the proper use of RPE, dust suppression techniques, and exposure monitoring, are essential for establishing a safety-first culture.

The Importance Of Risk Assessments

Equally, employers must ensure that robust risk assessments are in place. These should evaluate the likelihood of exposure, identify high-risk tasks, and determine appropriate control measures. Workers should only operate in silica-prone environments if they are properly trained, equipped, and fit to work.

Crystalline silica may be today’s asbestos, but we are not doomed to repeat the past. With better education, proactive regulation, and an unwavering commitment to health and safety best practices, including the consistent use of Respiratory Protective Equipment, we can protect the current generation of workers from the same fate.

Explore Our Range Of Respirators

If you would like to ensure your workers are comprehensively protected from the dangers of crystalline silica dust, check our range of respirators today and call the experts at Fire Safe International for professional advice about how to safeguard your team.

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