The Silent Threat of Silica Dust in Construction

Silica dust exposure and its impact on health has been identified as an emerging global health crisis by numerous public health, governmental, and industry organisations. Everyone should be able to breathe safely without risking poor health outcomes when undertaking construction works involving Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), and it is therefore imperative to create healthier, more accessible, and informed communities for all.

The ReACT (Residents, Clients & Construction Professionals Silica Excellence) research initiative was funded through the Paul Dockerill Award – a £10,000 grant managed by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in honour of Paul Dockerill FCIOB. Focused on the growing risks associated with silica dust exposure during housing repair, maintenance, retrofit and adaptation works, the initiative explored the knowledge, awareness, behaviours and attitudes of those involved across the UK social housing sector.

ReACT also developed a practical silica dust awareness toolkit designed to support residents, clients, construction professionals and the wider workforce in recognising, mitigating, and managing RCS risks, while promoting best practice health and safety standards across the built environment sector. In addition to an informative webinar on the topic covering both the risks and mitigation measures delivered by Dr Scott McGibbon FCIOB of Pvotal Consultancy, there are also multiple downloads included:

Client Toolkit: Construction Client Silica Awareness for Construction Excellence (cSaFE) Toolkit

Playbook for Professionals: Respirable Cystalline Silica (RCS) Training Needs Analysis Template – Professional (RiSK) Playbook

Guide for Residents: Silica Dust – A Guide for Householders and the General Public

Research Report: Research Project on Professional Practice of Control of Silica Dust Exposure