Every year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) releases its annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries, shedding light on the ongoing challenges faced by workers.
The recently released 2023/24 report has highlighted that 1.7 million UK workers are suffering from work-related ill health, a number that remains worryingly high. While mental health issues like stress and anxiety take the lead in these statistics, lung diseases caused by dust exposure are still among the most serious and long-lasting risks workers face.
How dust threatens lung health
Dust, particularly fine dust particles, is an ever-present danger for those regularly working with materials that generate silica, wood dust, asbestos, and more, that quietly but steadily damages the lungs over time.
The HSE estimates that around 12,000 lung disease deaths are linked to past work-related exposures each year. These conditions can often take decades to surface, but their impact is life-limiting and irreversible.
What are the most common dust-related lung conditions?
Let’s take a closer look. These diseases don’t just affect workers in industries like construction or mining; they can impact anyone exposed to harmful dust on the job.
Mesothelioma (20% of cases): This aggressive cancer, primarily caused by asbestos exposure, is responsible for a significant portion of lung disease deaths in the workplace. Mesothelioma doesn’t show any symptoms until many years after exposure. Despite the ban on asbestos, its effects still claim lives today.
Asbestos-related lung cancer (20% of cases): Even if you’ve never smoked, working in environments where asbestos dust was present puts you at an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
Non-asbestos related lung cancer (22% of cases): Dust from materials like silica can also contribute to lung cancer. Workers in construction, mining, and manufacturing are especially at risk as they are exposed to this fine, invisible dust daily. Silica dust can quietly accumulate in the lungs, leading to serious conditions years later.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (35% of cases): The most common of all work-related lung conditions, COPD is often found in workers exposed to harmful dust over long periods of time. It includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both of which damage the airways and make breathing difficult. For many workers, COPD is a lifelong and life-limiting battle, significantly reducing quality of life.
Other dust-related lung conditions (3% of cases): Conditions such as asthma and pneumoconiosis (a type of lung fibrosis) can also be linked to workplace dust exposure. While these diseases might not always be fatal, they can still cause considerable suffering and long-term health problems.
The financial cost of dust-related illnesses
Dust-related lung diseases come with a hefty price tag. With 2023/2024 stats not yet published, we know that in 2022/23, the total cost of workplace injuries and illnesses reached £21.6 billion, with ill health accounting for £14.5 billion of that total.
We at Dust Arrest know that the true cost goes beyond numbers. The human toll of dust-related lung diseases is far greater, as workers suffer from life-changing chronic pain, respiratory issues, and even early death.
The HSE have announced that the economic burden of work-related ill health and injuries falls primarily on the individual as well – a staggering £12.6 billion. While businesses as well as taxpayers shoulder significant amounts of the costs, the reality is that workers carry the heaviest load. This serves as a powerful reminder that protecting the long-term health of employees should be a top priority for employers across all industries.
Reducing dust exposure
While the statistics are alarming, there’s good news: dust-related lung conditions are preventable. Employers and workers can take steps to reduce exposure and mitigate the risks.
This is where the Dust Arrest team can step in. Why not get in touch to find out how we can help improve health and safety in your business and protect your workers from life-limiting health conditions such as COPD and lung cancer?
Keeping workers safe
The HSE’s report serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dust exposure continues to have on workers across the UK.
With 12,000 deaths each year linked to lung diseases caused by work, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect workers from the dangers of dust.
Dust may seem like an invisible threat, but the damage it causes is anything but invisible. Let’s work together to make sure it doesn’t cost workers their health, or their lives.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about anything we’ve mentioned in this blog or you would like advice on any of our products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team of experts.
You can do this by selecting the ‘Chat with Us’ button in the bottom right corner of your screen, giving us a call on 0800 980 0105, dropping us an email at sales@dustarrest.com, or accessing our contact form here.
