The Clean Air on Sites Campaign has been launched by the Construction Workers’ Health Trust (CWHT) to further promote safe working conditions by reducing dust and contaminated air on construction sites. Silica dust, while a natural substance found in construction materials, is particularly hazardous to construction workers.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) have teamed up to support the CWHT campaign and are now encouraging construction sites to monitor their air quality, using the Clean Air Site Checklist. If the air quality is found to be free of silica dust, construction sites can order a ‘Clean Air Site’ flag from the Construction Workers’ Health Trust (CWHT).
The General Manager of the CWTH, Dr Alison Gilliland, said that having conducted thousands of health screenings among construction workers on site, the CWHT recognises the imperative that all construction sites should be safe and healthy environments to work in.
“This is especially relevant when it comes to air quality. This campaign promotes the reduction of dust and contaminated air on construction sites and recognises those sites implementing good air practices with a Clear Air Site Flag.
“We are particularly cognisant of the avoidable hazard silica dust presents to construction workers and hope this campaign raises workers’ awareness of it and of the need to ensure the air they breathe at work is not damaging their health.”
The Chairperson of the Construction Industry Committee, Andy Smith, said that unions in the construction sector continue to campaign for safe workplaces. “We welcome this campaign as it is highlighting the danger that polluted air and silica dust, in particular, can pose to construction workers. I hope to see the Clear Air Site Flag flown on all construction sites.”
Dr Gilliland said the construction employers who wish to showcase their good practice around air quality can apply for a Clean Air Flag by completing a Clean Air Site Checklist on the CWHT’s website.
“Upon the completion of the Clean Air Site Checklist and a commitment by the employer to continue to use best practices on their site, a Clean Air Flag will be awarded. We will also note their logo and site details as a ‘Clean Air Site Supporter’ on our website.”
