Photo: Construction Safety Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada — Construction Safety Nova Scotia is using humor to address a serious workplace safety topic: the dangers of respirable crystalline silica.
The Canadian safety group has launched an awareness campaign that features The Lungsquatters, in which dangerous particles (played by actors in costume) move into the lungs of an unsuspecting worker who has been exposed to the invisible dust.
Silica dust, which is common in materials such as concrete, stone, brick, sand and tile, can cause long-lasting harm. The silica particles can lodge deep inside the lungs and lead to permanent diseases, such as silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The particles, often too small to see, are released by cutting, crushing, drilling or grinding materials.
When exposure is controlled, according to the agency, silica-related illnesses are preventable. The best way to reduce or eliminate exposure is by understanding where silica is present and applying controls consistently across worksites.
The campaign includes:
- A quiz to test silica knowledge.
- Resources on respirable crystalline silica.
- Information on how employers can manage silica on worksites and understand their responsibilities.
- Choices that workers must make to protect themselves from potential lung diseases.
McCraren Compliance offers comprehensive safety training to help prevent accidents. Visit our class calendar to see how our training and consulting services can enhance your safety efforts.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication