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Each year, around 12,000 people die from work-related lung diseases linked to past exposure to hazardous substances at work.
This includes inhalation of wood-dust that can cause occupational asthma and, in the case of hardwoods, sinonasal cancer. These deaths are preventable if exposure to the risks is effectively controlled.
Inspectors will check that woodwork is planned correctly to minimise risk; and that adequate control measures are in place to protect workers’ health.
Through our inspections of a variety of woodworking businesses, we are highlighting the risks of occupational asthma and the devastating impact lung disease has on workers’ lives.
Further information can be found in our press release.
To ensure your business is managing the risks and is prepared for an inspection, we have detailed below where further information and guidance is available.
These pages provide tools to help businesses ensure they Work Right and have the necessary measures in place to keep workers safe and protect their long-term respiratory health:
Follow HSE's social media channels for updates on our targeted woodworking inspection programme:
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