Construction workers in Liverpool are being warned they could be putting their lives in danger if they regularly cut stone, concrete or masonry.
Silica dust kills more than 500 construction workers every year but the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is concerned that many people are unaware of the dangers.
HSE has arranged an event in Liverpool on Wednesday 17 February to raise awareness about the dust, which is the second biggest cause of lung disease in workers after asbestos.
Companies are being urged to use methods to break materials which do not create dust, to damp materials when cutting to stop dust getting into the air, use dust suppressant tools or to use special vacuums to suck up dust. Workers should also wear high-quality protective masks.
Moira Caddick, Health and Safety Awareness Officer at HSE, said:
"The lives of hundreds of workers and their families are devastated every year by lung diseases caused as a result of breathing in silica dust.
"But many people simply don't realise they're releasing potentially deadly particles when they cut into kerbing, paving or other block materials. Silica dust can get onto your lungs and cause breathing problems, which can eventually lead to lung cancer.
"Construction companies should therefore avoid creating dust from stone, concrete or masonry wherever possible, and make sure workers always wear suitable dust masks.
"I hope construction workers will come along to the free awareness event in Liverpool on Wednesday to find out more about silica dust and get advice which could end up saving their lives."
Health and safety awareness officers will be at Beers Timber & Building Supplies on Boundary Street in Liverpool between 8am and 11am on Wednesday 17 February.
The drop-in event has been organised as part of the Working Well Together initiative - a partnership between HSE and the construction industry - which aims to improve health and safety in the sector.
More information on improving construction safety is available at www.wwt.uk.com.
Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.
Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR North West
Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office who act as HSE's Press Office throughout Great Britain.
Social media
Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.
Follow HSE on Twitter:
Follow @H_S_E