‘It is estimated that up to 400 lung cancer cases per year in Ireland are linked to long-term past exposure to dangerous chemicals and dust particles in the workplace’
Cancer is now the leading cause of work-related deaths in the EU with over 100,000 cancer deaths each year.
The most common types of occupational cancers in the EU in 2022 were lung and bronchus cancer, and mesothelioma.
Manual workers can often encounter cancer-causing substances in their workplaces including arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, coal and coke fumes, silica dust, nickel, diesel fumes.
Joan Flynn, Construction Sector Inspector at the HSA, said:
“Construction workers can face serious risks such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, silicosis, and even lung cancer from exposure to hazardous dust like asbestos, silica and other fine dust particles.
“These exposures are often invisible, but their long-term health impact can be devastating. Employers and duty holders must take steps to manage the risk.
Where possible, the first priority should be to remove the risk at its source, for example by “designing out the risk, eliminating certain processes”
“Personal protective equipment such as face masks should only be relied on as a last line of defence.
By working together, employers, contractors and workers can significantly reduce preventable exposures and protect the long-term health of everyone on site.”
Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, said:
“It is estimated that up to 400 lung cancer cases per year in Ireland are linked to long-term past exposure to dangerous chemicals and dust particles in the workplace.
“Workers in the building trades, manufacturing and farmers are at increased risk.