HSE inspectors are visiting manufacturing businesses where processes use materials that contain silica, a natural substance found in most stone, rocks, sand and clay. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can occur when these materials are handled or processed. RCS causes occupational lung disease (OLD) leading to premature death and significant damage to the quality of peoples lives. HSEs targeted inspection initiative is focusing on businesses that: manufacture bricks and tiles carry out foundry activities From Monday 3 July 2023, inspectors will be checking that dutyholders know the risks associated with silica dust and have effective controls in place to keep workers safe and protect their respiratory health. We have advice for employers and workers to protect respiratory health. You can: visit our campaign website download our free resource for workers (.pdf) read our press release A simple assessment reduces the risk of legionella. Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of lung infection. It is normally contracted by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols), suspended in the air, containing the bacteria. If you are an employer, or someone in control of premises, including landlords, you must understand the health risks associated with legionella and take the right precautions to reduce the risks of exposure to legionella. hot water storage cylinders (calorifiers) should store water at 60C or higher. hot water should be distributed at 50C or higher (thermostatic mixer valves need to be fitted as close as possible to outlets, where a scald risk is identified). cold water should be stored and distributed below 20C. The bacteria begins to die in temperatures above 50C and cannot survive above 60C. Further advice can be found in our downloadable publicationLegionnaires' disease - The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems. HSE's website also offers practical advice and guidance to help you understand the risk from legionella and legionnaires' disease. HSE requires appointed doctors to carry out workplace visits when working in industries such as smelting and refining, or with metallic-lead and lead-containing alloys or paint removal. These visits are especially important for the appointed doctor to familiarise themselves with the activities to which the regulations apply, the conditions in the workplace, and the workers under medical surveillance. The appointed doctor should visit the workplace(s) initially and then periodically as appropriate, e.g. if work practices change. There are very few circumstances when a visit may not be suitable. Visits should be carried out at all individual locations an employee works and should not be replaced by use of a remote visit, for example where an employer /employee walks around the workplace wearing a camera. Employers are encouraged to contact your appointed doctor if these visits are not being undertaken. Further information on the responsibilities of appointed doctors is available at our website. Zebra Technologies Europe Limited (Preston) are the winner of the Risk reduction through design award 2023 for protecting workers from developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The manufacturing company won the prestigious award after overcoming tough competition from innovators across a wide range of sectors. They developed an innovative design solution in-house for reducing the manual handling of printed rolls and boxes. The award is sponsored by HSE and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF). It was presented at the CIEHFs virtual awards ceremony on 23 June. Find out more in our press release. Full details about the award winner and the commended entry can be viewed on our awards webpage. | 