The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced a respiratory inspection initiative that will affect construction and other dusty trade sites across the UK. HSE inspectors will be visiting sites to check that adequate controls are in place to protect workers from respiratory hazards — including silica dust, wood dust, and other hazardous airborne particulates. Is your site ready?
What Is the HSE Respiratory Inspection Initiative?
The HSE's respiratory inspection initiative is part of an ongoing national effort to reduce the number of workers developing occupational lung disease. Each year, around 12,000 workers die from work-related lung disease in the UK, and thousands more develop conditions that severely impact their quality of life. HSE inspectors will visit sites across multiple sectors, including construction, woodworking, and manufacturing, to check compliance with respiratory health regulations.
What Will Inspectors Be Looking For?
During site visits, HSE inspectors will check for:
- Adequate dust suppression measures (wet methods, LEV, dust extraction at source)
- Use of suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) where required
- Evidence that LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) systems are regularly maintained and thoroughly examined
- Worker training in dust hazards and controls
- Health surveillance programmes where workers are exposed to known respiratory hazards
- COSHH assessments for dusty processes
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Sites found to be inadequately protecting workers could face improvement notices, prohibition notices, significant fines, and in serious cases, prosecution. Beyond the legal consequences, the human cost of occupational lung disease — including silicosis, COPD, asbestosis, and occupational asthma — is devastating and irreversible.
How V-TUF Can Help
V-TUF specialises in dust extraction equipment that captures hazardous dust at the source, keeping workers safe and sites compliant. Our range includes M-Class and H-Class rated vacuum cleaners and dust extractors, Power Tool Take Off (PTO) systems for use directly with power tools, and a full range of accessories to ensure comprehensive dust control on any site. Don't wait for an HSE visit to get your dust controls in order — browse V-TUF's dust extraction range today.
