Problems were discovered at more than half of the stone business visited in a Health and Safety Executive crackdown.
Inspectors visited 60 premises between June and September in an initiative backed by industry trade association the Stone Federation of Great Britain (SFGB). They included work surface makers, stonemasons and monumental masons.
Serious breaches were found at 35 of the 60 firms visited. Four were issued with Prohibition Notices and there were 54 Improvement Notices, while others were given verbal advice.
The most common areas of concern were…
- Control of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), a dust that can be hazardous to health
- The handling and storage of stone
- Poor machinery guarding
- Air compressors that presented an explosion risk
Several businesses inspected were unaware of changes in the law reducing the maximum exposure level to RCS.
Dangers include inadequate face masks, dry sweeping, which can direct fine “respirable” stone dust into the workplace air supply, and unsuitable air extraction systems.
The HSE is calling on the industry to step up efforts to ensure workers are adequately protected.
“HSE intends to visit more stone work businesses in the future to ensure that health and safety is adequately managed,” said HSE inspector Tahir Mortuza.
“Business owners should review their processes and the materials they use whilst thinking about what might cause harm and whether they are doing enough to protect workers.
“Once the risks have been identified, businesses need to decide how best to control them so they can put the appropriate measures in place. A good starting point is to look at respirable crystalline silica, as it is one of the greatest risks for businesses engaged in stonework, as found in this inspection campaign.”
SFGB chief executive Jane Buxey added: “Health and Safety is a top priority for the Federation and we are working closely with the HSE to improve standards in the Industry.
“We hope to run a number of joint events with HSE and they will be sending representatives to Stone Federation Great Britain events and the Federation’s Health and Safety Forum.”
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